ERBIL () - French President Emmanuel Macron received Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi at the Élysée Palace on Monday, Sept. 14, as Baghdad and Paris moved to deepen cooperation across energy, security, infrastructure and public services.
The two leaders were expected to hold a summit and oversee the signing of several memoranda of understanding covering multiple sectors.
The meeting follows preparations outlined by the French presidency ahead of al-Zaidi's visit, which is his first trip to Europe as prime minister.
The Élysée Palace said earlier that discussions would cover energy, transportation, economic infrastructure, water resources and healthcare, alongside expanded military and security cooperation.
France and Iraq are also expected to reaffirm cooperation against terrorism and efforts to prevent ISIS from rebuilding its capabilities, particularly as the international coalition's mission undergoes changes.
The talks are being held with an emphasis on respecting Iraqi sovereignty while maintaining bilateral security coordination.
Energy is another major component of the visit.
According to the French presidency, the two sides are expected to discuss oil exports and the broader impact of regional instability on energy supplies and international trade.
Several oil-related agreements are also expected to be signed, although details had not been made public in the supplied reporting.
Baghdad Mayor Ammar Moussa said al-Zaidi's visit could open additional channels of cooperation between Iraqi institutions and French companies, particularly in projects aimed at improving services in the capital.
Speaking from Paris to Iraq's official news agency, Moussa said discussions would involve major French firms specializing in infrastructure, road networks and transportation.
He said Baghdad was seeking cooperation in water, sewage and transport projects, as well as the development and modernization of related networks.
Moussa also pointed to an existing memorandum of understanding between the municipalities of Baghdad and Paris, saying the agreement had already entered into effect and covered several areas of municipal administration.
He emphasized the importance of transferring technical knowledge and experience, maintaining institutional contacts and encouraging French private-sector companies to establish a stronger presence in Baghdad.
The Iraqi government views such cooperation as a potential means of improving public services while attracting international expertise and investment.
reported ahead of the visit that Macron and al-Zaidi would also discuss regional and international developments of mutual concern.
Read More: France Reveals Agenda for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi's Paris Visit
The agenda reflects an effort by both governments to broaden ties beyond traditional diplomatic and security cooperation into sectors directly connected to Iraq's economic development and infrastructure needs.
For Baghdad, the visit offers an opportunity to attract French companies and secure technical and financial partnerships in areas ranging from energy to municipal services.
For Paris, the talks reinforce France's long-standing political, economic and security engagement with Iraq.
The expected memoranda and sectoral agreements will indicate how far the two governments intend to translate the political relationship into concrete projects.
