Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani met Thursday in Baghdad with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields. A statement by the Iraqi government on Thursday noted that Al Sudani emphasized during the meeting Iraq's keenness to build stronger relations with France, particularly in the economic sphere, and to facilitate visits by French companies to Iraq and coordinate the establishment of strong partnerships with Iraqi companies to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two countries and contribute to the reconstruction process.

According to Qatar News Agency, the statement added that the Iraqi Prime Minister stressed the necessity of continuing cooperation with France in developing Iraq's defense capabilities. Al Sudani noted that the meeting addressed the anticipated talks between Iran and the United States in light of the highly sensitive stage the world and the region are going through, emphasizing Iraq's support for dialogue due to its importance in reaching peaceful solutions.

For his part, the French Foreign Minister praised Al Sudani's efforts in maintaining security and stability in Iraq and the region, as well as his efforts in Iraq's reconstruction. He emphasized the desire of French companies to work in Iraq, noting the participation of 20 French companies from various sectors in the Baghdad International Fair. The French Foreign Minister also expressed his country's desire to work with Iraq to stabilize the region and coordinate efforts to combat terrorism.