French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Paris, said alternative routes around the Strait of Hormuz should be established to secure energy supplies.
Macron said reducing tensions in the region would ease pressure on fuel prices.
Macron stresses regional stability
The French president said al-Zaidi’s decision to begin his European tour in France showed that the two countries could play a stabilizing role in the region.
Macron said the interests of the French people must be protected to ensure regional stability. He said the fight against terrorism would continue through sustained defense and security cooperation with partners.
He noted that diplomatic efforts aimed to protect the purchasing power and ensure the security of the French people.
Iraqi prime minister’s visit to France and Germany
Ali al-Zaidi began an official visit to France and Germany on Sunday with a high-level Iraqi government delegation.
The agenda announced by the Iraqi government includes economic, investment, trade, energy, industry and technology issues, as well as political and security matters.
The tour aims to turn existing agreements into viable partnerships and increase European investment in Iraq.