Undersecretary for Political Planning Meets New French Ambassador to Iraq

Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Ambassador Dr. Hisham Al Alawi, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Political Planning received the new French Ambassador to Iraq Mr. Patrick Durrell, in his office at the Ministry’s headquarters.

Undersecretary Al Alawi, welcomed Ambassador Durrell, wishing him success in his duties, to serve the interest of both countries in all fields, especially as Iraq and France enjoy distinguished relations that have witnessed great development in recent years, Mr. Al Alawi stressed the importance of encouraging French companies to invest in business opportunities and contribute to the implementation of important projects in Iraq, in addition to they touched on regional and international political situations and the stance of the Iraqi government regarding them, the meeting also discussed the priorities of the Iraqi government and the objectives of the governmental programs of the Foreign Ministry is working towards, and its efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with important countries and activate Iraq’s presence in regional and international organizations.

On his part, Ambassador Durrell affirmed his country’s keenness to continue joint work, consolidating the relations, and expanding cooperation with Iraq in various fields, especially after the signing of the strategic partnership agreement between the two countries during the visit of the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, to Paris last year.

As well as, both sides reviewed the practical steps to develop the capabilities of diplomatic staff and expand cooperation in the field of diplomatic training by holding specialized workshops and courses that contribute to boosting the professional capacity of the Ministry’s employees to qualify them to work in various posts and jobs, as well as supporting university students, and opening horizons of cooperation for postgraduate, and providing appropriate scholarships in different disciplines.