Iraq and France agreed on Monday (Sunday) in Paris to expand their defense cooperation and signed six important agreements. These agreements were signed following discussions between Ali Al-Zaydi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France.
Defense and Military Agreements
During these negotiations, the two sides reached an agreement on a roadmap for Iraq's future purchases of weapons and military systems from France. The Iraqi Prime Minister's Office emphasized that one of the agreements includes a letter of intent between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the French company Harmattan for automated air defense systems.
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Iraq is also planning to hold further discussions with French companies in various fields including artillery, counter-drone systems, air defense, and surveillance. These agreements clearly demonstrate the will of both countries to strengthen their military and defense cooperation.
Security Talks and Economic Cooperation
In addition to defense agreements, the talks included border security issues and efforts to strengthen Iraq's defense capabilities. Macron and Al-Zaydi discussed regional security and emphasized the need to reduce tensions. They also spoke of their support for freedom of navigation, especially in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two sides also agreed to develop their economic and energy relations within the framework of a strategic partnership signed in 2023. Other agreements signed included French military equipment for Iraq, cooperation in gas with Total, civilian aviation, research and innovation, and collaboration with the French Development Agency.
Ali Al-Zaydi concluded his two-day visit to France and will soon travel to Germany to begin the second phase of his European tour.
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