French foreign minister visits Iraq amid regional tour

ANKARA

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday on the first leg of a regional tour that also includes Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking during a press conference following talks with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, Barrot emphasized the importance of ensuring that Iraq is not drawn into regional conflicts.

He also hailed efforts by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to maintain stability.

The top French diplomat said his country backs an Arab reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip following the Israeli war, stressing that the two-state solution is the only path to peace and stability in the Middle East.

He also called for respecting Syria’s territorial integrity under the new leadership, following the ouster of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December last year.

Hussein, for his part, said that his discussions with the French minister tackled defense issues, including the prospects for purchasing French weapons.

The top Iraqi diplomat voiced support for the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the US, stressing that it is the only solution to reach a peaceful settlement.

Hussein stressed Iraq’s support for Syria’s stability “to build a comprehensive political process.”

The French Foreign Ministry said earlier that Barrot's visit to Baghdad aims to affirm France’s commitment to Iraq’s stability and its role in maintaining regional balance.

The tour also comes amid French efforts to host an international conference in June on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier this month that he plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the coming months.