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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi told French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday that Baghdad remains committed to balanced relations with neighboring countries and will not allow Iraqi territory to be used to threaten their security.
During a phone call, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic and investment cooperation, and create more opportunities for French companies in Iraq, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister's media office.
They also exchanged views on regional developments and efforts to ease tensions and bolster security and stability, after Saudi Arabia and the U.S. carried out strikes on Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq late last month following drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Al-Zaidi invited Macron to visit Iraq and called for joint efforts to build a sustainable economic and investment partnership serving the interests of both countries.
He also stressed that his government would continue working to strengthen stability and turn Iraq into an influential economic and political power by leveraging its resources and strategic position along international trade routes.
On security issues, al-Zaidi reaffirmed that Sept. 30 would mark the final withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq, arguing that ending the mission would allow the government to focus on reconstruction, economic development and improving living standards.
Washington and Baghdad announced in September 2024 a two-phase plan to end the coalition's mission in Iraq.
The first phase included ending the coalition's military mission, withdrawing forces and handing over bases before transitioning to a bilateral security partnership, while the second phase runs through September 2026, with coalition operations in Syria continuing from an air base in Erbil.
Macron praised measures taken by the Iraqi government and reaffirmed France's support for Baghdad's efforts to fight corruption and carry out economic reforms.
He also pledged that Paris would continue supporting Iraq in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of its armed forces, the statement said.
The call came a day after al-Zaidi received a renewed invitation to visit Riyadh during a meeting with Saudi intelligence chief Khalid bin Ali al-Humaidan, after a planned trip to the Saudi capital in late July was canceled following U.S.-Saudi strikes that killed 20 militants, including five Iranians.
The strikes followed Saudi accusations that Iran-backed groups in Iraq had launched drones targeting the kingdom's oil facilities and came amid mounting U.S. pressure on Baghdad to disarm pro-Iran armed factions.
Iraq later tightened security nationwide, while the Islamic Resistance in Iraq postponed a planned retaliation after appeals from political leaders.
The government has given the groups until Sept. 30 to hand over their weapons.
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