Ali Al-Zaydi, Prime Minister of Iraq, arrived in France on Monday, September 23, to a warm welcome from French officials and met with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, at the Élysée Palace. This trip, considered Al-Zaydi's first European visit, is part of Iraq's efforts to expand international relations and attract foreign investments.
Goals and Agreements
One day before this meeting, Haidar Abadi, the spokesperson for the Iraqi government, outlined the goals of this trip. According to published statements, agreements in the fields of investment, energy, industry, trade, technology, education, culture, and infrastructure will be signed during the visit to France. These agreements are designed to strengthen strategic cooperation between the two countries.
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Subsequently, Al-Zaydi will travel to Berlin to continue discussions on expanding Iraq's strategic partnerships. In this regard, he stated, "Iraq must regain its position in international relations and build relationships with other countries based on common interests."
Iraq and Security Challenges
This trip comes at a time when Iraq is seeking to expand its international relations. These efforts coincide with the reconstruction of the role of the international coalition against ISIS and the Iraqi government's efforts to strengthen its security and sovereignty, disarm militias, and monopolize weapons in the hands of the state. In this context, France plays an important role as a historical partner with shared political, security, and economic interests with Iraq.
The choice of Paris as the starting point for Al-Zaydi's trip to Europe is not without reason, given its long-standing relations with Iraq. France was previously Iraq's top trading partner in the European Union and had long-term political and economic cooperation with the regime of Saddam Hussein. On the other hand, Al-Zaydi's visit to France occurs against the backdrop of improving relations between Paris and Damascus and the reception of Ahmad Al-Shara, President of Syria, in Paris; an action that reflects Macron's efforts to strengthen France's presence in the region.
Iraq is striving to establish its relations with Western countries, especially France and Germany, after the United States. The agenda of Al-Zaydi's trip to France reveals a wide range of common interests between the two countries. Iraq needs France's investment and expertise in energy, infrastructure, transportation, water, and health, while France views Iraq as a growing market and an important partner in energy and regional stability issues.
Ultimately, the French presidency has announced that Macron and Al-Zaydi will discuss the implications of regional instability on trade and energy supply and will work to resume Iraqi oil exports in a way that reduces pressure on energy markets and supports Iraq's economy.
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