Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed the necessity of international support for Iraq during this critical time, urging countries to fulfill their responsibilities by repatriating their citizens.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a statement from the Prime Minister’s office detailed Al-Sudani’s meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-No«l Barrot. The Prime Minister affirmed Iraq’s commitment to fostering robust relations with France, particularly in the economic domain. He emphasized the importance of facilitating visits by French companies to Iraq and establishing strong partnerships with Iraqi counterparts to boost economic and trade cooperation, contributing to the nation’s development and reconstruction efforts. Al-Sudani also welcomed the involvement of French companies in the Baghdad International Fair.

The Prime Minister highlighted Iraq’s significant responsibilities on behalf of the international community, particularly in the context of transferring terrorists from Syrian prisons. He underscored the importance of global support for Iraq during this sensitive period and called on countries to repatriate their citizens due to the shared threat posed. Additionally, he affirmed continued cooperation with France in enhancing Iraq’s defense capabilities.

Al-Sudani also mentioned the anticipated discussions between Iran and the United States, emphasizing Iraq’s support for dialogue as a vital path toward achieving peaceful resolutions amid the region’s highly sensitive climate.

Barrault, on his part, conveyed President Macron’s greetings and praised Al-Sudani’s efforts in maintaining security and stability in Iraq and the broader region, alongside his reconstruction initiatives. He confirmed French companies’ interest in working in Iraq, noting the participation of 20 French businesses from various sectors in the Baghdad International Fair.

The French Foreign Minister expressed France’s commitment to collaborating with Iraq in stabilizing the region and coordinating efforts to combat terrorism. He acknowledged Iraq’s pivotal role in transferring imprisoned terrorists, viewing it as a step toward enhancing regional security, and assured France’s readiness to support Iraq in handling the issue of imprisoned terrorists.