BAGHDAD, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed bilateral relations and cooperation during a phone call on Saturday, said a statement by al-Zaidi's media office.
During the conversation, the two sides discussed economic and investment cooperation, opportunities for French companies in Iraq, as well as joint efforts aimed at strengthening regional security and stability, the statement said.
Al-Zaidi invited Macron to visit Iraq, emphasizing the importance of building a sustainable economic and investment partnership between the two countries, read the statement.
Al-Zaidi stressed that Sept. 30 is the final date set for the withdrawal of international coalition forces from Iraq, noting that ending the coalition's mission will provide Iraq with greater scope to focus its efforts on reconstruction and development, strengthen economic growth, and advance the well-being of the Iraqi people.
Al-Zaidi affirmed Iraq's commitment to building balanced relations with neighboring countries and preventing its territory from being used to threaten their security, while emphasizing dialogue to address regional issues.
For his part, Macron reaffirmed France's support for Iraq's economic reforms, anti-corruption efforts, counter-terrorism, and the capacity-building of the Iraqi forces, according to the statement.
The call came as the Iraqi government prepares for the conclusion of the U.S.-led coalition's mission in the country by Sept. 30.
The U.S.-led international coalition was formed in 2014 to assist Iraqi security forces in combating the Islamic State (IS) group. Following the territorial defeat of IS in Iraq in 2017, Iraq has pushed for an end to the coalition's military mandate and a transition toward bilateral security partnerships with member states. ■
