Meeting in Paris, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zeydi and French President Emmanuel Macron adopted a common position on developing military cooperation and supporting security and stability in the Middle East. Following the talks, six memorandums of understanding and declarations of intent were signed on defence, energy, civil aviation, research, innovation and work involving young people.
During the meeting at the Élysée Palace, the two leaders said regional security should be strengthened on the basis of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. Zeydi and Macron highlighted the importance of continuing dialogue and joint efforts to reduce tensions and safeguard the region's security.
Macron praised Iraq's foreign policy and its role in encouraging dialogue by building bridges. The French president also described the Iraqi government's efforts to bring weapons under state control as a key element in strengthening the rule of law and state sovereignty.
French defence roadmap for the Iraqi army
The parties decided to continue military cooperation to increase Iraq's capacity to protect its borders and support its sovereignty across the country's territory. They also agreed to prepare a strategic roadmap for the weapon systems that the Iraqi army may procure from French companies in the future.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defence and French company HARMATTAN AI signed a letter of intent providing for strategic cooperation in autonomous air defence systems. Zeydi said he would support talks between the Iraqi Ministry of Defence and French companies on air mobility defence, artillery systems, counter-drone defence, air defence and surveillance.
Areas covered by the six documents
The six memorandums, declarations and letters of intent signed at the end of the meetings in Paris covered the following areas:
- Strategic cooperation in air defence between the Iraqi Ministry of Defence and HARMATTAN AI
- Security of French military equipment between the Iraqi and French defence authorities as part of reconstruction and the development of Iraq's defence capabilities
- Expanding opportunities for young people, research and innovation between the two countries' foreign ministries
- Strengthening the partnership with the French Development Agency
- Cooperation between the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and TotalEnergies on the supply and sale of gas
- Cooperation in civil aviation
France's Directorate General for Civil Aviation and the Iraqi General Company for Air Navigation Services also agreed to deepen technical and institutional cooperation. The agreement covers improving flight safety and developing air navigation services.
Energy and trade partnership goals
Zeydi and Macron agreed on the goal of strengthening sustainability projects and regional connectivity while diversifying export routes and supply chains. These steps are intended to support energy security and the stability of energy transmission networks.
Fifty representatives of French companies and business executives attended an economic forum held during Zeydi's visit to Paris.
France imported approximately €1.56 billion worth of goods from Iraq in 2025, with fossil fuels accounting for nearly all of those imports. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to developing relations under the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2023. France has ratified the agreement, while Iraq is expected to ratify it shortly.
Education, culture and maritime security
Iraq and France agreed to expand cooperation in education, scientific research, innovation and artificial intelligence. Increasing university partnerships, academic and scientific exchanges, and student mobility was also included among the areas covered by the agreement.
The parties also agreed to protect Iraq's cultural heritage, support its national cinema policy and organize cultural exhibitions in both countries. Reaffirming their commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the two countries supported efforts to strengthen freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
At Macron's invitation, Zeydi made a two-day visit to France, which he completed on Monday. The visit was the first stop on a European tour focused on strengthening the political, security, military, economic and cultural partnership between Baghdad and Paris.
The Iraqi prime minister was scheduled to travel to Germany, the second stop on his tour, to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and discuss bilateral relations, economic partnerships, and regional and international issues. Zeydi said they aimed to establish partnerships with Germany based on shared interests in information, technology and industry.
