Al-Maliki and the French Ambassador Discuss Joint Relations and Ways to Develop Them

Baghdad - INA

The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, stressed on Wednesday to the Ambassador of the French Republic to Iraq, Patrick Durel, the importance of building multiple investment and economic partnerships that serve the interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples.

Al-Maliki's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received in his office today the Ambassador of the French Republic to Iraq, Patrick Durel."

The statement added that "at the beginning of the meeting, the overall Iraqi-French relations were discussed, as well as ways to develop them and mechanisms for strengthening them to serve the interests of both countries, particularly in the economic, security, and cultural fields. The latest developments in the political and security situations in Iraq and the region were also discussed."

According to the statement, al-Maliki explained that "Iraq has historical relations with Paris and is interested in strengthening them in various sectors," noting "the importance of building multiple investment and economic partnerships that serve the interests of the two friendly countries and peoples."

Regarding the ongoing developments in the Middle East, Al-Maliki stressed that "the situation in the region is witnessing major and dangerous challenges, whether in Syria and the crimes committed by terrorist groups against minorities, or the Zionist persistence in continuing its aggression against Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and most recently Yemen." He called on the international community to "contain crises and not take sides in favor of one party over another." For his part, the French ambassador expressed his country's "interest in Iraq's success in strengthening its unity and stability," emphasizing France's keenness to "build strong friendly relations with all Iraqis and its determination to strengthen the framework of joint cooperation between the two countries."