Prime Minister Mr. Ali Falih Al-Zaidi, today Saturday, during a phone call with French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron, discussed the bilateral relations between Iraq and France, ways to develop them, and enhance joint cooperation in various fields.
The call addressed a number of files and issues of common interest, foremost among them economic and investment cooperation in Iraq and the opportunities available to French companies, alongside developments in the regional situation, and joint efforts aimed at reducing tensions and enhancing security and stability.
Mr. Prime Minister pointed to the importance of Iraqi-French relations, calling on President Macron to visit Iraq, and joint work to build a sustainable economic and investment partnership between the two countries, in a manner that achieves their common interests.
His Excellency affirmed the government’s continued work to enhance stability, and transform Iraq into an influential economic and political force in the region, with the wealth and important, influential location it possesses that connects international trade routes.
Mr. Prime Minister expressed Iraq’s keenness to build balanced relations with neighboring countries, and not allow the use of Iraqi territories to threaten their security, while emphasizing the protection of Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and the interests of its people, confirming the importance of resorting to dialogue in regional and international issues.
Mr. Al-Zaidi stressed that September 30 next represents the final date for the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq, explaining that the end of the coalition’s mission will open a wider scope for Iraq to focus its efforts on construction and development, enhancing economic growth, and achieving prosperity for the Iraqi people.
For his part, French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron expressed his appreciation for the steps taken by the Iraqi government, affirming France’s support for Iraq’s efforts in combating corruption and implementing economic reforms, and continuing to support Iraq in the field of counter-terrorism and enhancing the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces.
: Prime Minister’s Office of Iraq