French Presidency: Key Issues Al-Zaidi to Discuss During Visit to Paris

Baghdad /NINA/ – The French Presidency (Élysée Palace) has outlined the key issues that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi is expected to discuss with French President Emmanuel Macron during his upcoming visit to Paris on Sunday.

In a statement, the Élysée Palace said that “Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi will visit France on Sunday—his first visit to Europe—with the aim of strengthening the partnership between the two countries.”

It added that Macron and Al-Zaidi will discuss cooperation in priority sectors, including energy, transport, infrastructure, water, and healthcare, as well as enhanced cooperation in the fields of security and defense. The two sides are also expected to sign a number of contracts, details of which have not yet been disclosed.

The statement noted that, amid anticipated changes to the mission of the International Coalition against ISIS, the two leaders will reaffirm their mutual commitment and shared determination to continue the fight against terrorism and prevent ISIS from re-emerging, while fully respecting each other’s sovereignty.

It further said that Macron and Al-Zaidi will discuss the impact of regional instability on trade and energy supplies, particularly Iraqi oil exports, and will work toward resuming these exports in an effort to ease pressure on energy markets, support economic stability, and sustainably safeguard the purchasing power of the French people. /End