ERBIL () - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Berlin on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for an official visit focused on strengthening political and economic relations between Iraq and Germany.
According to information from the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin, al-Zaidi's schedule includes a series of meetings with senior German officials, as well as visits to the Office of the Federal President and the Federal Chancellery.
The Iraqi prime minister is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral relations and political and economic issues of mutual interest.
The visit also includes an economic program with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or DIHK, reflecting Baghdad's efforts to broaden trade and investment cooperation with Germany.
Iraq and Germany are seeking to deepen their relationship in several areas, particularly commerce, investment and political coordination.
Al-Zaidi's arrival in Berlin comes immediately after an official visit to France, where Iraq and France signed six memoranda and declarations of intent covering defense, energy, development, innovation and civil aviation.
The agreements were signed Monday at the Élysée Palace under the auspices of al-Zaidi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Among the agreements was a letter of intent between Iraq's Ministry of Defense and Harmattan AI covering strategic cooperation in air defense.
Iraq's Defense Ministry and France's Ministry of the Armed Forces also signed a declaration of intent concerning the security of French military equipment and efforts to rebuild and develop Iraqi defense capabilities.
Other agreements focused on expanding youth, research and innovation opportunities, strengthening cooperation with the French Development Agency, and deepening economic ties.
Iraq's Ministry of Electricity also signed a cooperation protocol with TotalEnergies concerning a gas supply and sales contract, while the Iraqi and French transportation ministries agreed to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation.
The Paris agreements highlighted Baghdad's broader effort to expand strategic and economic partnerships with European governments.
The Berlin leg of al-Zaidi's trip continues that approach, with particular emphasis on German investment, trade links and political dialogue.
The planned meeting with Chancellor Merz is expected to provide both sides with an opportunity to review existing relations and identify areas for further cooperation.
The economic component of the visit, including talks involving the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is also expected to focus on opportunities for German companies and investors in Iraq.
