Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi returned to Baghdad early Wednesday morning after concluding his European tour, which included important visits to France and Germany. During this tour, al-Zaidi engaged in a series of high-profile meetings and signed significant agreements aimed at strengthening Iraq’s international relations and economic prospects.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister met with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing potential collaborations between the two nations. In Germany, al-Zaidi held meetings with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, furthering diplomatic and economic ties.

A notable achievement of the tour was the signing of the Energy Cooperation Principles Agreement (Phase Four) with Siemens, a crucial step in bolstering Iraq’s energy sector. Al-Zaidi also oversaw the signing of six memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements with France, covering a range of sectors.

During his stay in Germany, al-Zaidi headed the Iraqi delegation in expanded talks with German officials and participated in the German-Iraqi Dialogue Forum in Berlin. This forum served as a platform for enhancing bilateral relations and exploring mutual interests.

In Paris, al-Zaidi met with a group of heads and representatives of prominent French companies, including Total Energies France and Rothschild Bank, highlighting Iraq’s openness to foreign investment. Additionally, he received the President of the Arab World Institute, further emphasizing Iraq’s commitment to fostering cultural and economic ties with key partners.

This European tour marks a strategic effort by the Iraqi government to attract international investment and cooperation, laying the groundwork for future initiatives and partnerships.