MOSCOW, July 24: Russia said on Saturday it had no intention of contributing troops to the US-led force in Iraq, but was prepared to help by developing trade and easing debt burdens.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the pledge to build on Moscow's longstanding links with Iraq after talks with his opposite number Hoshiyar Zebari.

It was the first visit to Moscow by a top official since the interim government took over formal control of public affairs last month from the US-led occupying forces.

Russia, Lavrov said, had no plans to dispatch forces to Iraq, nor had the issue arisen during the talks.

"Russia is prepared to support the restoration of sovereignty of Iraq in other ways, particularly through trade," he said, offering action within the Paris Club of state lenders to help Baghdad with its external debt.

"This contribution will be no less than the contribution of the participants in the multinational forces."

Russia, which opposed the US-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein without UN approval, had long been involved in Iraq's oil industry and is keen to move ahead with contracts, some dating from Saddam's term in office.

Local media had earlier quoted Zebari as saying he would ask Lavrov to contribute troops, but he denied this.

"I would like to clarify that I never made such a statement," he said. "Russia's position is well known."

Russian officials this week repeatedly denied reports, quoting a US think tank, that the Kremlin had approved in principle plans to send forces to Baghdad.-Reuters