Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Discusses Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Regional Developments in Phone Call with French President ••••• Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and France and ways to further develop them and strengthen joint cooperation across various fields during a phone call today, Saturday, with French President Emmanuel Macron. The call addressed a number of issues of mutual interest, foremost among them economic and investment cooperation in Iraq and the opportunities available to French companies, as well as developments in the region and joint efforts aimed at ending tensions and strengthening security and stability. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of Iraqi-French relations and invited President Macron to visit Iraq. He also emphasized the importance of working together to build a sustainable economic and investment partnership between the two countries that serves their mutual interests. The Prime Minister affirmed that the government will continue working to strengthen stability and transform Iraq into an influential economic and political power in the region, building on its resources and its important strategic location connecting international trade routes. The Prime Minister also affirmed Iraq’s commitment to building balanced relations with neighboring countries and preventing Iraqi territory from being used to threaten their security, while safeguarding Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and the interests of its people. He emphasized the importance of resorting to dialogue in addressing regional and international issues. Prime Minister Al-Zaidi stressed that September 30 is the final date set for the withdrawal of Coalition forces from Iraq, noting that the conclusion of the Coalition’s mission will provide Iraq with greater scope to focus its efforts on reconstruction and development, strengthen economic growth, and advance the well-being of the Iraqi people. For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his appreciation for the measures taken by the Iraqi government and reaffirmed France’s support for Iraq’s efforts to combat corruption and implement economic reforms, as well as its continued support for Iraq in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister August 8, 2026