Iraq and France recently signed six strategic agreements at the Élysée Palace. These agreements were approved in the presence of Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, the Prime Minister of Iraq, and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and represent significant steps in expanding the relations between the two countries in various fields.
Defense and Military Agreements
In the defense sector, the two sides agreed to develop strategic cooperation in air defense between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the French company "Hermann" in the field of artificial intelligence. This cooperation will help Iraq enhance its defense capabilities and procure advanced military equipment and weapons from France during the reconstruction phase.
These agreements are seen as part of Iraq's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities against regional threats and improve the internal security of the country. France, as one of Iraq's main European partners, has been seeking to expand its role in the military and defense projects of the country in recent years.
Cooperation in Energy and Youth
In the energy sector, the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity signed a protocol with the French company TotalEnergies for the purchase and supply of natural gas. This agreement allows Iraq to improve its energy resources and assist in the development of the country's energy infrastructure.
Additionally, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also signed two memoranda of understanding with France to strengthen youth opportunities and develop cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD). These actions aim to create job opportunities and improve the social conditions of Iraqi youth.
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport also reached an agreement with the French side for cooperation in the field of civil aviation. These collaborations will help improve transportation and aviation infrastructure in Iraq and provide new opportunities for economic development.
The Iraqi Prime Minister's information office announced that these six new agreements are part of the shared vision of Baghdad and Paris to expand economic, military, and security relations in a new phase of Iraq's reconstruction. These agreements will not only strengthen bilateral relations but also aid in the economic and social revival of Iraq after years of crisis.
France, as one of the key partners in Iraq's energy and infrastructure projects, is also striving to expand its role in strengthening Iraq's military capabilities in the region. These agreements are considered a milestone in the relations between the two countries and demonstrate Iraq's serious determination to improve its status in various fields.
