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Iraq, France Deepen Defense Cooperation Through New Agreements
(MENAFN) Iraq and France agreed Monday to broaden their defense partnership and signed six agreements during talks between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, as Baghdad seeks to strengthen its military capabilities and expand cooperation with European partners.
According to al-Zaidi’s office, the two leaders established a roadmap outlining potential future Iraqi acquisitions of French weapons, military equipment and defense systems. Their discussions also addressed border security and measures aimed at improving Iraq’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
One of the agreements signed during the visit was a letter of intent between Iraq’s Defense Ministry and French company Harmattan AI concerning autonomous air defense systems. Baghdad is also preparing to hold additional discussions with French defense companies covering artillery, counter-drone technology, air defense capabilities and surveillance systems.
The broader package of agreements extended beyond military cooperation. The two countries reached understandings involving the supply of French military equipment to Iraq, gas-sector cooperation with TotalEnergies, civil aviation, research and innovation, as well as collaboration with the French Development Agency.
Macron and al-Zaidi also discussed security developments across the region, with both sides calling for reduced tensions and reiterating their support for freedom of navigation in regional waterways, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions further emphasized plans to strengthen Iraq-France economic and energy relations under the strategic partnership established by the two countries in 2023, expanding cooperation beyond defense into areas considered important for Iraq’s long-term development.
Al-Zaidi wrapped up his two-day visit to France on Monday and is expected to continue his European tour with a trip to Germany, where further discussions are expected as Baghdad seeks to deepen its relations with key European partners.
According to al-Zaidi’s office, the two leaders established a roadmap outlining potential future Iraqi acquisitions of French weapons, military equipment and defense systems. Their discussions also addressed border security and measures aimed at improving Iraq’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.
One of the agreements signed during the visit was a letter of intent between Iraq’s Defense Ministry and French company Harmattan AI concerning autonomous air defense systems. Baghdad is also preparing to hold additional discussions with French defense companies covering artillery, counter-drone technology, air defense capabilities and surveillance systems.
The broader package of agreements extended beyond military cooperation. The two countries reached understandings involving the supply of French military equipment to Iraq, gas-sector cooperation with TotalEnergies, civil aviation, research and innovation, as well as collaboration with the French Development Agency.
Macron and al-Zaidi also discussed security developments across the region, with both sides calling for reduced tensions and reiterating their support for freedom of navigation in regional waterways, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions further emphasized plans to strengthen Iraq-France economic and energy relations under the strategic partnership established by the two countries in 2023, expanding cooperation beyond defense into areas considered important for Iraq’s long-term development.
Al-Zaidi wrapped up his two-day visit to France on Monday and is expected to continue his European tour with a trip to Germany, where further discussions are expected as Baghdad seeks to deepen its relations with key European partners.
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