ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — France's FM Jean-Yves Le Drian met with Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari, as the Iraqi Reconstruction Conference kicks off on Monday in Kuwait. "I have come to tell you of France's support and to accompany you. We will always be there. We were there to participate in the coalition. We will also be there in the reconstruction phase," Le Drian told AFP reporters. Baghdad is seeking at least $100 million for reconstruction funds at this week's conference. "We hope French expertise will be used for the reconstruction," said Iraq's Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari. Drian last visited Baghdad in August. France has served as a key member of the US-led international anti-ISIS coalition, training Iraqi Security Forces including Kurdish Peshmerga. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIS in December. Abadi has confirmed on February 6 that his government and the coalition have a gradual plan to downsize the presence of the international forces in the country, although he has conceded ISIS still poses a "real danger" on border with Syria. Baghdad has estimated it needs $100 billion in assistance to rebuild the war-damaged areas. The conference is an opportunity for Iraq to "present the feasibility studies and licenses for 60 key investment projects with total amount exceeds $85 billion," according to the conference website. The conference is an opportunity for Iraq to "present the feasibility studies and licenses for 60 key investment projects with total amount exceeds $85 billion," according to the conference website. Kurdish officials hope the conference will also be an opportunity to further talks between Erbil and Baghdad and international partners, as well as to seek investment in essential services. "The investment projects include water, electricity, transportation, roads, health, and higher education. Many projects have been prepared in the area of industry and agriculture, so that international investors develop these areas," Erbil Governor Nawzad Hadi told Rudaw.
