Baghdad Parliament Speaker Muhammad Al-Halbousi and his accompanying delegation discussed, today, Tuesday, with the Speaker of the French National Assembly Richard Ferrand in Paris, activating joint parliamentary action, because of its importance in strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing joint cooperation between the two countries in the economic and investment fields, as well as the security and intelligence field to combat terrorism.

During the talks, Al-Halbousi stressed the importance of French companies entering the Iraqi market, participating in the reconstruction, and accelerating the implementation of strategic projects in Iraq, including Mosul Airport, Baghdad Metro, and a number of energy projects.

They also discussed the efforts made to reopen the Baghdad-Paris air route, and the need to expedite its opening, because of its importance in the economic interaction between the two countries, as well as banking cooperation to facilitate the activities of the investment sector.

For his part, the French National Assembly Speaker Richard Ferrand expressed his country’s full support for Iraq and the preservation of its sovereignty, support for strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi state, and to continue security, intelligence and technical cooperation in the war against ISIS, to confront extremist ideology.

Richard Ferran also confirmed: “his country’s desire to enter the Iraqi market and contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq,” referring to the efforts made by France in this field, and that the task force headed by the French Foreign Minister aims to encourage French companies to work in Iraq.

He also expressed France’s support for the file of the return of the displaced people, and the restoration of stability in the liberated cities.

At the end of the round of talks, Al-Halbousi attended part of the regular session of the French National Assembly, amid a welcome by him and his accompanying delegation.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency