Baghdad: French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-No«l Barrot, starts a regional tour today that includes stops in Iraq and the Arab Gulf states.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this tour is intended to facilitate preparations for an international conference on implementing the two-state solution, which France will organize in collaboration with Saudi Arabia in June, as well as the third Baghdad Conference for Regional Stability.

This official visit underscores France’s commitment to Iraq’s stability and its role as a regional balancing factor. It aims to prepare for the third Baghdad Conference, focusing on strengthening regional stability and cooperation. The visit also serves to reaffirm France’s dedication to continuing the fight against ISIS, in light of the transitional phase in Syria and the repositioning of the US military presence. Additionally, the visit aims to bolster the French-Iraqi strategic partnership.

The international conference, co-organized by France and Saudi Arabia, will address the two-state solution and is slated for discussion during Barrot’s visit. The French Foreign Ministry’s statement highlighted that Barrot will engage in talks with Iraqi political authorities to emphasize France’s commitment to the security and stability of both Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan Region.