France expressed its readiness to contribute to the completion of the “development path” project, while stressing that Iraq can count on its participation in the (Baghdad Summit) conference to be held next November.
In his speech at the celebration of the French National Day held by the embassy, France’s Ambassador Patrick Durrell promised, in his speech at the celebration of the French National Day held by the embassy, “This day is an opportunity to celebrate the depth and present the relations between the two countries, as this relationship is embodied in the strategic partnership signed between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. This partnership includes several areas of cooperation to serve common interests and bear the development and prosperity of Iraq, within its framework we continue bilateral cooperation in the field of security and defense; as long as the Iraqi authorities wish to do so.”
He added that “France is working hard with its partners to end the Gaza war and avoid the risks of its expansion, and we know that the stability of Iraq is linked to the stability of the region,” noting that “Iraq is a meeting place for roads and (the development route) represents an ambitious and necessary project, and France is ready to contribute to its achievement.”
Durrell indicated that “Iraq faces common challenges with its neighbors such as water, climate change, protection of biodiversity, vulnerable groups and marshes, which are an Iraqi and global treasure, all of this requires cooperation with neighboring countries and other countries, from which the idea of (Baghdad Summit) emerged, which is a unique regional initiative to support Iraq, and can rely on France’s participation in holding this third edition conference in Baghdad next November after two successful editions in the capital Baghdad in August 2021 and Jordan in December 2022.”
He added that since his arrival, he saw “the unity of Iraq and the vitality of relations between the region and the federal government, and that Iraq can rely on France and its companies along with its Iraqi counterparts to contribute to the diversification of the local economy and the development of services provided to the population thanks to the reform program set by Mr. Al-Sudani, and work hand in hand to highlight the summit of the historical heritage with the resumption of the French archaeological mission, and educational and university cooperation for Iraqi students.”