President: Iraq And France Can Play An Important Role In Many Regional And Int'l Issues

Baghdad / NINA / -President Barham Saleh stressed the need for concerting regional and international efforts to combat the hotbeds of terrorism and extremism that spread in several countries. Saleh said during his meeting with French Defense Minister Florence Barley and her accompanying delegation that Iraq wants to develop advanced and expanded relations with France in various fields because there is a conviction that the two countries can play an important and influential role in many regional and international issues. He pointed out that expanding the horizons of joint cooperation with EU countries is a priority in future directions as Iraq is an important link connecting several countries to Europe. The President of the Republic appreciated France's vital role in the international coalition against terrorism and its support for Iraq in defeating the Daesh gangs. He stressed the importance of France's contribution to strengthening Iraqi military capabilities at the level of armament or training. For her part, the French minister renewed her country's support for the stability of Iraq and achieve its aspirations for prosperity and its readiness to provide support for the Iraqi security forces in training and processing. During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in the regional and international arenas./ End