Iraq, France Agree to Strengthen Strategic Partnership in Joint Statement

Iraq 09:28 PM - 2026-09-14

French President Emmanuel Macron Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi paid an official visit to Paris on 13–14 September 2026, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, leading a high-level Iraqi delegation.

The visit focused on strengthening the strategic partnership and longstanding friendly relations between Iraq and France. At its conclusion, the two sides issued a joint statement outlining areas of cooperation and a shared vision on regional, security, economic and development issues, according to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office.

Regional Security and Stability

The Iraqi prime minister and French president expressed a shared vision for strengthening security and stability in the Middle East, based on respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, good-neighbourly relations, territorial integrity and international law. They also reaffirmed their support for diplomatic solutions to regional crises and security challenges.

Al-Zaidi expressed his appreciation to France for its longstanding support for Iraq, particularly its contribution to the joint fight against ISIS terrorism.

Macron commended Iraq’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy and its role in building bridges, promoting dialogue and strengthening regional cooperation. Both sides stressed the importance of continued dialogue and joint efforts to ease regional tensions and safeguard security and stability.

They also highlighted the contribution of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership to promoting regional stability and integration.

Macron praised the efforts of al-Zaidi and the Iraqi government to consolidate the possession and use of arms under state control, describing the measure as a fundamental pillar for strengthening the rule of law and state sovereignty.

Energy And Regional Connectivity

The two sides stressed the importance of advancing sustainable and regional interconnection projects, diversifying export routes and supply chains, and strengthening energy security and the stability of energy transmission networks.

They also underscored the importance of strengthening Iraq’s relations with France and Europe.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation as fundamental principles of international law, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also reiterated their support for efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iraq and France renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples within the framework of the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2023. France has already ratified the agreement, while Iraq is expected to ratify it soon.

Defence And Security Cooperation

Recognising France’s role in supporting international stability, the two sides agreed to strengthen and continue military cooperation, including efforts to develop Iraq’s capabilities in border protection and support its sovereignty over its entire territory following the conclusion of the International Coalition’s mission.

The future cooperation will take place within a bilateral framework that respects the sovereignty of both countries.

Al-Zaidi also reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s commitment to continuing investigations and bringing to justice those responsible for the March 11 attack targeting French forces in Iraq, which resulted in the death of Major Arnaud Frion and injuries to five French soldiers.

The two sides agreed to establish a strategic roadmap for future Iraqi Armed Forces procurement of weapons systems supplied by French companies.

They welcomed the signing of a letter of intent between Iraq’s Ministry of Defence and French company HARMATTAN AI concerning autonomous air-defence systems.

Al-Zaidi also announced his intention to support discussions between French companies and the Iraqi Ministry of Defence on mobile air-defence systems, artillery, counter-drone systems (C-UAS), and air-defence and surveillance systems.

Economic And Investment Cooperation

Iraq and France reaffirmed their shared objective of expanding economic relations.

An economic forum was held in Paris during the visit, bringing together 50 representatives of French companies and business leaders to explore opportunities to strengthen trade and investment, particularly in sectors of strategic importance, including energy security, infrastructure, industry, defence, services and healthcare.

The two sides also stressed the importance of supporting the Iraqi government’s anti-corruption programmes, describing these efforts as essential to strengthening the rule of law and creating a secure and attractive environment for international investment.

The Iraqi government and TotalEnergies signed a letter of intent to launch several energy projects in Iraq covering the electricity and oil sectors. The projects involve major investments aimed at increasing oil production, improving energy efficiency and strengthening Iraq’s energy sovereignty while supporting the transition of the energy sector.

The two governments also signed a letter of intent concerning funding from the French Development Agency (AFD), reaffirming the agency’s commitment to continuing its work in Iraq and maintaining the positive momentum of bilateral cooperation in coordination with the relevant ministries and institutions.

Aviation and Cultural Cooperation

A declaration of intent was signed between France’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) and Iraq’s General Company for Air Navigation Services (GCANS).

The agreement aims to deepen technical and institutional cooperation, improve aviation safety and standards, and support the development of air-navigation services, contributing to greater trade, tourism and people-to-people ties between Iraq and France.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and showcasing Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and historical diversity through continued cooperation with French archaeological missions operating in Iraq.

They welcomed the opening of the Mosul Museum, supported by the Louvre Museum, describing it as an important milestone in bilateral cultural cooperation.

France also agreed to support Iraq in developing a national cinema policy through partnerships and the exchange of expertise with the French National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC).

Existing cooperation with the CNC and the French National Audiovisual Institute (INA) to preserve and restore Iraq’s cinematic heritage will also benefit from a new initiative by the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH), dedicated to cinematic and audiovisual heritage and announced during the Lumière Summit.

Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s continued support for the Arab World Institute and committed to developing a joint programme of exhibitions in France and Iraq to showcase Iraq’s internationally renowned archaeological heritage.

Education, Research And Healthcare

The two sides agreed that education, scientific research and innovation should remain key pillars of the Iraqi-French strategic partnership, while promoting sustainable links between younger generations in both countries.

They agreed to expand cooperation and knowledge-sharing in strategic areas, including climate change, resource scarcity and artificial intelligence, as well as strengthen university partnerships and academic and scientific exchanges.

Both sides also pledged to expand student mobility between Iraq and France.

Al-Zaidi reaffirmed his support for the process through the scholarship programme of the Higher Committee for Education Development in Iraq and his determination to significantly expand the number of French higher education institutions and universities available to Iraqi students.

The two leaders also welcomed the opening earlier this year of the French medical centre in the Sinjar region, a project funded by France since 2020.

Al-Zaidi expressed his appreciation for France’s support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to reconstruct areas liberated from ISIS, while reaffirming Iraq’s desire to further expand cooperation with France in humanitarian and development fields.



PUKMEDIA