Paris.- French President Emmanuel Macron stated this Monday that France and Iraq can advance their cooperation in security and energy, while maintaining that Paris is capable of playing a “balancing role” in the Middle East.
Macron made these statements during a meeting with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, who chose France as the first stop of his European tour.
“A choice that counts and shows that France can play a balancing role,” stated Macron in a message published on his social media.
Read more: Iran mocks the US economic war and compares it to Bush’s “mission accomplished” in Iraq
The French leader maintained that working for the stability of the Middle East also serves the interests of his country’s citizens, by helping to guarantee energy supplies and reduce pressure on fuel prices.
France Iraq and security
Macron highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation in defense and security with partner countries, particularly in the framework of the fight against terrorism.
More Read
“Our diplomacy also serves that purpose: to concretely protect the purchasing power of the French people and guarantee their security,” Macron expressed in his message, which he accompanied with a photograph alongside the Iraqi Prime Minister at the Élysée Palace.
The meeting between France and Iraq also brought to the table issues related to regional stability and cooperation between both countries.
France Iraq and energy
The French president also highlighted the need to guarantee energy supplies through actions aimed at reducing tensions and developing alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz.
“Securing our energy supplies by working towards de-escalation and developing alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz is reducing the pressure on prices at gas stations,” said Macron.
The meeting is part of the efforts by France and Iraq to address issues related to security, energy, and stability in the Middle East.
