PM Receives French Minister Of Armies

Baghdad / NINA / - The Prime Minister, Muhammad Al-Sudani, received today, Wednesday, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, and his accompanying delegation.

PM al-Sudani discussed with the French minister of the Armed Forces bilateral relations between the two countries, and prospects for developing them at the security level, within the scope of the international coalition, and within the framework of advice and training to raise the performance of the Iraqi security forces, and an emphasis on continuing bilateral cooperation to continue training, cooperation in the field of armaments, and exchange of information.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised, according to a statement from his office, France's support for the Iraqi forces, referring to the (strategic partnership agreement) that was signed during his visit to France last January, which represents a clear action map for the development of Iraqi-French relations in the fields of economy, security, energy, culture, education, and others.

Al-Sudani stressed that "the government is working to organize the relationship with the international coalition in Iraq, in a way that is commensurate with the post-war phase against the terrorist gangs of ISIS, as this phase is witnessing a significant growth in the capabilities of the Iraqi security forces in their various types of military."

He spoke about the government's interest in the issue of training and arming, and the desire to cooperate with French companies in this regard, especially in the field of air force, defense system and military industrialization, stressing that cooperation with France is not limited to the security aspect only, but also extends to several areas, in light of the availability of real opportunities for a partnership that enhances integration between the two countries.

For his part, the French Minister of Armed Forces conveyed the greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Prime Minister, and affirmed the French government's readiness to cooperate with Iraq in the field of training, armament and capacity development.

He also indicated the seriousness of his country's government in providing everything Iraq needs and developing real partnerships with it./ End