Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Discusses with His French Counterpart in Baghdad the Enhancement of the Bilateral Partnership and Regional Developments

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, received his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, in Baghdad on Thursday, 5 February 2026. The two sides held a bilateral meeting that addressed Iraqi–French relations and ways to develop them across various fields.

The Minister underscored the depth of Iraqi–French relations and the two countries’ keenness to strengthen them, praising the participation of 20 French companies in the Baghdad International Fair, which reflects the growing of the French economic presence in Iraq.

The meeting emphasized the importance of joint coordination on key international issues and regional developments, as well as the significance of convening the Iraqi–French Joint Committee in the coming period. H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein was also briefed on the main outcomes of the French Foreign Minister’s visit to Damascus earlier that day and his meetings with Syrian officials.

Both sides stressed the need to bring viewpoints closer regarding the future of the Global Coalition against ISIS, to support de-escalation pathways, and to reach sustainable political solutions in Syria, highlighting the importance of the recent agreement concluded between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian transitional government.

They further emphasized the necessity of ensuring responsible and secure management of Syrian prisons holding ISIS terrorist elements, and of working toward a smooth and orderly transfer of their administration, in a manner that enhances the security and stability of the region.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein and H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot held a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Baghdad, during which H.E. Mr. Hussein affirmed Iraq’s support for the ongoing negotiations between representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, being held in the Sultanate of Oman. He noted that the region is passing through a sensitive phase, and that keeping it away from the flames of war is a duty incumbent upon all states, particularly neighboring and Gulf countries.

He explained that Iraqi–French relations are advanced and sustainable, and that the French Minister’s second visit to Iraq within a single year, alongside the repeated visits of the French President, constitutes clear evidence of the depth of this relationship.

He added that these relations were formally framed through the Cooperation and Partnership Agreement signed in 2023, affirming that the Iraqi government, in cooperation with Parliament, will seek to complete the necessary procedures to ratify this important agreement.

Both sides also welcomed the signing of a letter of intent and preliminary provisions with the French State Agency for Manufacturing, as well as the signing of an agreement between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and a French company to supply Iraq with VM2000 military radar systems. They affirmed the continuation of military coordination between the two countries within and beyond the Global Coalition to combat terrorism.

They expressed their aspiration to continue cooperation between the relevant authorities in both countries to initiate procedures for opening a direct air route between Baghdad and Paris.

Regarding the situation in Syria, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein reiterated Iraq’s support for the agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the SDF, warning that failure to reach stable understandings would negatively affect the stability of Syria and the region as a whole.

He also expressed his gratitude to his French counterpart for briefing him on the details of his discussions in Damascus with H.E. Mr. Asaad Al-Shaibani, which addressed ways to achieve stability, combat ISIS, and manage terrorist detainees in Syria. He affirmed that Iraq, as a country that has waged a long war against terrorism, will remain an active member of the Global Coalition against ISIS, in cooperation with the Syrian side.

He noted that the talks also covered the overall security situation in the region and France’s relations with regional states, renewing his thanks to the French Minister for his visit and for meeting the Prime Minister prior to heading to Erbil to meet the leadership of the Kurdistan Region.

For his part, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed his gratitude to H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein for the warm reception, affirming that his second visit to Baghdad within one year reflects the strength of the partnership and the importance of continuous dialogue between Iraq and France.

He pointed out that this dialogue is taking place amid escalating regional tensions, with persistent risks of escalation and a resurgence of ISIS activity, stressing that counterterrorism is the primary objective of his repeated visits to Iraq and Syria, and that France’s security is linked to developments in both countries.

He clarified that France continues to combat terrorism using the full extent of its military capabilities within a legal framework and under the umbrella of the Global Coalition against ISIS, while commending the ceasefire agreement in Syria and calling for support for a comprehensive and peaceful political process that includes all components of Syrian society.

He also praised the significant role Iraq plays in receiving thousands of detainees transferred from northeastern Syria, announcing France’s readiness to support Iraq in this regard.

The French Minister confirmed that discussions also addressed the situation in Iran, the risks of escalation, and their potential repercussions for Iraq and the region, noting France’s support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching negotiated solutions.

He stressed the importance of preserving the stability and security achieved by Iraq, considering them the foundation for the country’s continued progress and a source of hope for the region, expressing his hope that Iraq will continue along this path.

He further noted discussions on the Baghdad Conference as an initiative aligned with the shared regional vision of Iraq and France, aimed at consolidating stability and enhancing economic integration through cross-border projects in transport, water, and electricity interconnection, confirming agreement to work toward convening the Third Baghdad Conference when appropriate conditions are in place.

In concluding his remarks, the French Minister affirmed that Iraq has entered a new phase opening promising horizons for bilateral relations, and that France is closely following developments in Iraq’s political process, renewing France’s commitment to strengthening relations of friendship and cooperation with Iraq.