Al-Zaidi Invites French President to Visit Iraq

Iraqi PM's Media Office

Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries, while inviting the French President to visit Iraq.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office, the two leaders discussed ways to deepen Iraqi-French cooperation across a range of sectors, with particular emphasis on economic and investment opportunities available to French companies operating in Iraq.

The talks also covered regional developments and joint efforts to reduce tensions and promote security and stability across the Middle East.

During the call, al-Zaidi reaffirmed the importance of Iraq's partnership with France and invited President Macron to visit Baghdad to further strengthen economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said his government remains committed to consolidating stability and positioning Iraq as a leading economic and political force in the region, highlighting the country's strategic location linking major international trade routes.

Al-Zaidi also reiterated Iraq's commitment to maintaining balanced relations with neighbouring countries and preventing Iraqi territory from being used to threaten the security of other states. He stressed the importance of safeguarding Iraq's sovereignty, protecting the interests of its people and resolving regional and international disputes through dialogue.

The Prime Minister noted that 30 September remains the scheduled deadline for the withdrawal of U.S.-led coalition forces from Iraq, saying the conclusion of the coalition's mission would allow the government to devote greater attention to reconstruction, economic development and improving living standards.

President Macron welcomed the Iraqi government's reform efforts and reaffirmed France's support for Iraq's anti-corruption measures and economic reform programme. He also pledged France's continued support for Iraq in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.



PUKMEDIA