ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed regional tensions and the planned withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq during a phone call on Saturday, according to a statement from the Iraqi prime minister’s office.
The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Iraq and France, particularly in economic and investment fields, as well as opportunities available to French companies in Iraq.
The call also addressed “developments in the region and joint efforts aimed at ending tensions and strengthening security and stability,” the statement said.
France maintains hundreds of troops in the Kurdistan Region, where its forces train Peshmerga fighters as part of the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS). However, the coalition is scheduled to conclude its military mission in Iraq by the end of September.
Zaidi said the end of the coalition mission would give Iraq greater room to focus on reconstruction, development and economic growth.
“The conclusion of the Coalition’s mission will provide Iraq with greater scope to focus its efforts on reconstruction and development, strengthen economic growth, and advance the well-being of the Iraqi people,” the statement quoted Zaidi as saying.
The withdrawal comes after years of international military support to Iraq in its fight against ISIS and efforts to strengthen the country’s security forces.
Regarding Iraq’s recent anti-corruption crackdown, Macron “expressed his appreciation for the measures taken by the Iraqi government” and reaffirmed France’s support for Baghdad’s efforts to combat corruption and advance economic reforms, according to the statement.
In late June, the Iraqi government under Zaidi launched a nationwide anti-corruption campaign, dubbed Operation Dawn, in coordination with the Federal Commission of Integrity and the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The campaign has resulted in the arrest of dozens of current and former officials and the seizure of millions of dollars, gold, real estate and other assets allegedly linked to corruption networks.
Beyond economic reforms, Macron also reaffirmed France’s “continued support for Iraq in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi Armed Forces,” the statement said.
The discussions come as Iraq seeks to deepen its economic partnerships while maintaining balanced relations with regional and international powers amid continuing US-Iran tensions across the Middle East.
Zaidi, for his part, reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to maintaining balanced relations with neighboring countries and preventing Iraqi territory from being used to threaten their security.
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