France: Direction to develop relations with Iraq in the fields of armament and equipment

 The French embassy in Baghdad confirmed today, Thursday, the trend to develop relations with Iraq in the fields of armament and equipment, while it clarified Baghdad's purchases from Paris in the military field.

The armament attache at the embassy, Fouad al-Khatib, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Iraqi-French cooperation, specifically within the political framework, is very important these days, as French President Emmanuel Macron stressed on more than one occasion the need to cooperate with Iraq in various fields, whether in Strengthening the sovereignty of the country and strengthening its capabilities and institutions, as well as with regard to services provided to Iraqis.

He added, "Iraq and France share the political vision at the global level.".

With regard to military cooperation, he stressed that "Iraq previously used French equipment such as Mirage F1 aircraft, as well as radars and the Laurent air defense system.".

He continued, "Now, in the presence of all French industrialists and companies in Iraq, we are up to the responsibility in rebuilding this joint relationship in the field of defense between Iraq and France," noting that "the French equipment is expensive, but it is excellent and of high quality.".

he indicated that "there is a complete conviction on both sides to develop the relationship in the fields of armaments and equipment as two friendly countries."