French President Emmanuel Macron received Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi at the Élysée Palace on September 14, as Baghdad and Paris signed six agreements covering defence, energy, civil aviation and economic cooperation.

The meeting was part of al-Zaidi’s first official visit to Europe since becoming prime minister and his first stop on a tour that will also take him to Germany.

Two of the six documents signed in Paris focused on defence cooperation. One was a letter of intent between Iraq’s defence ministry and French defence technology company Harmattan AI, while another covered the acquisition of French military equipment as part of efforts to rebuild and develop Iraq’s defence capabilities.

The other agreements covered development cooperation, youth employment, civil aviation and electricity-sector cooperation between Iraq’s electricity ministry and French energy company TotalEnergies.

The two sides were also due to discuss changes to the international coalition’s mission against Islamic State and reaffirm their commitment to preventing the group from rebuilding its capabilities while respecting the sovereignty of both countries.

Energy and Iraqi oil exports were also expected to feature prominently, with France saying regional instability and its impact on trade and energy supplies would be discussed.

Macron praised Iraq’s balanced foreign policy and its role in building bridges, promoting dialogue and strengthening regional cooperation. Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing joint efforts to reduce regional tensions and support security and stability.

Macron also praised the Iraqi government’s efforts to place weapons under state control, describing the move as a key pillar for strengthening the rule of law and state sovereignty.

“We will not allow Iraqi territory to become a base for launching threats against neighbouring countries or an arena for settling scores between regional and international powers,” he said.

“Iraq has relations and channels of communication with regional and international parties and can help reduce tensions, promote de-escalation and open new avenues for dialogue and understanding.”Al-Zaidi added.

Iraq and France reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations under the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2023. France has already ratified the agreement, while Iraq is expected to complete its ratification soon.