An hour later, deep in the Green Zone, Iraq Defense Ministry Building.
Unlike the ostentatious wealth of Yusuf's office, Defense Minister Abdul Rashed's office exudes a subdued yet luxurious solemnity.
Minister Rashed himself is around sixty, slim but standing erect, dressed in a crisply ironed military-style outfit, with epaulettes and medals meticulously arranged.
"Mr. Song, I've heard a lot about you."
The handshake between them was strong and brief, with no excessive pleasantries.
His gaze lingered on Song Heping's face for two seconds, seemingly conducting a quick assessment.
"Vice Speaker Yusuf has already detailed your background to me, and the business proposal you bring. Frankly, I am personally quite interested. In the current situation, any means to enhance our Defense Army's effective combat capability deserves serious consideration."
The three moved to a relatively isolated meeting area on one side of the office.
