Iraq’s al-Zaidi, Macron discuss bilateral ties, regional developments
Iraqi PM invites French president to visit Baghdad as Paris backs economic reforms and security cooperation
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi held a telephone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, economic and investment cooperation, and regional developments, according to the Iraqi prime minister’s media office.
During the call, the two leaders discussed relations between Iraq and France and ways to expand cooperation across various fields, the statement said.
Economic and investment cooperation in Iraq was among the main topics, with the two sides discussing opportunities available to French companies in the country.
They also addressed regional developments and joint efforts to reduce tensions and promote security and stability.
Al-Zaidi emphasized the importance of Iraq-France relations and invited Macron to visit Iraq, while calling for joint efforts to establish a sustainable economic and investment partnership that serves the interests of both countries.
The Iraqi prime minister said his government would continue working to strengthen stability and transform Iraq into an influential economic and political power in the region, citing the country’s natural resources and strategic position connecting international trade routes.
Al-Zaidi also stressed Iraq’s commitment to maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries and preventing Iraqi territory from being used to threaten their security.
He emphasized that Iraq’s security, sovereignty and national interests must be protected, while stressing the importance of relying on dialogue to address regional and international disputes.
Iraq sets September deadline for coalition withdrawal
During the call, al-Zaidi said September 30 would mark the final deadline for the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq.
He said the completion of the coalition’s mission would provide Iraq with greater space to focus on reconstruction and development, strengthen economic growth and improve living conditions for the Iraqi people.
France has been an important partner in Iraq’s efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen the capabilities of its security forces, while French companies have maintained interests in Iraq’s energy, infrastructure and other economic sectors.
Macron, for his part, expressed appreciation for steps taken by the Iraqi government and reaffirmed France’s support for Baghdad’s efforts to combat corruption and implement economic reforms.
The French president also pledged continued French support for Iraq in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces, according to the statement.