Baghdad: First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, affirmed that Iraq is keen to establish stable relations with European Union countries in a way that contributes to achieving security and prosperity for all countries.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Mandalawi's media office released a statement indicating that he received the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, at his residence on Tuesday. The discussions between the two officials centered on several political and economic issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Al-Mandalawi emphasized Iraq's commitment to establishing stable and effective relations with all European Union countries, particularly France, in a way that contributes to security and prosperity and serves the common interests of all nations. He highlighted the importance of developing bilateral partnerships between Baghdad and Paris across various sectors and expanding the presence of French academic institutions in Iraq.

Both sides stressed the importance of continuing to develop relations, activating friendship committees and agreements signed between the two friendly countries, and opening broader horizons for investment partnerships, especially in the areas of infrastructure, health, and air transport.