Joint Statement Following the Visit to France by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Ali Al-Zaidi (September 13–14, 2026). •••••••••• 1-At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mr. Ali Al-Zaydi, paid an official visit to France on September 13 and 14, 2026, at the head of a high-level delegation to strengthen the strategic partnership and friendly relations between France and Iraq. 2-The President of the Republic and the Prime Minister expressed their shared vision for enhancing security and stability in the Middle East, based on their mutual commitment to respecting national sovereignty, non-interference, good neighborliness, and territorial integrity, respect for international law, and supporting diplomatic solutions to crises and security threats facing the region. The Prime Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to France for its longstanding support for Iraq, notably in the joint fight against ISIS (Daesh) terrorism. 3-The President of the Republic praised Iraq’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy, as well as its role in building bridges, promoting dialogue, and strengthening regional cooperation. Both leaders stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and joint efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and ensure regional stability and security. They underlined the important contribution of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership to regional stability and integration. 4-The President praised the efforts of the Prime Minister and the Iraqi government to limit weapons to the state and stressed that this represents a key step toward strengthening the rule of law and consolidating state sovereignty. 5-The President of the Republic and the Prime Minister stressed the importance of bolstering sustainability projects, regional interconnections, and the diversification of export routes and supply chains in order to ensure regional energy security and the stability of energy transportation networks. They also underlined the need to enhance Iraq’s connectivity with Europe and France. 6-Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation as fundamental principles of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They also reaffirmed their commitment to and support for efforts to promote freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 7-Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening French-Iraqi relations, for the benefit of the French and Iraqi peoples, within the framework of the bilateral strategic partnership signed in 2023, which is expected to be ratified soon by Iraq, following its earlier ratification by France. 8-Building on France’s positive role within the Global Coalition, the President and the Prime Minister agreed to strengthen and continue military cooperation, including by enhancing Iraqi capabilities in the field of border protection and supporting Iraq’s sovereignty over its territory after the end of the tasks of the international Coalition, and within a bilateral framework that respects the sovereignty of both countries, whose terms will be agreed upon in the future. 9-The Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continuing the investigations and bringing to justice those responsible for the attack on French forces on March 11, which resulted in the death of Major Arnaud Frion and injuries to five other French soldiers on Iraqi territory. 10-Both parties agreed on a strategic roadmap pertaining to future acquisitions of armaments for the Iraqi Armed Forces from French companies. They welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent concerning autonomous air defense systems between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the French company HARMATTAN AI.