Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hoshyar Zebari, met on 12/7/2012 in Paris the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laurent Fabius, and discussed with him bilateral relations, the political and security status in Iraq and their future prospects.
Both sides underlined the deep-rooted bilateral relations and the necessity to develop them in all domains, especially the economic, and to urge the French companies to contribute in Iraq's reconstruction projects.

For his part, the French Minister promised to find a solution for the Iraqi frozen assets in France. Minister Zebari invited his French counterpart to visit Iraq, the French Minister accepted the invitation, expressing pleasure for that and that he looks forward to that visit.



Regional status was also discussed, particularly the critical situation in Syria and its daily implications in addition to its impact on the whole region. Minister Zebari referred to Iraq's stance supportive to the Arab and international resolutions and Mr. Kofi Annan's plan to find a solution for the Syrian crisis and support the political democratic transition.

The two Ministers also touched upon the Iranian nuclear file; Minister Zebari stressed the importance of finding a solution for that file for its importance and direct impact on Iraq and security of the region, both sides also stressed the importance of moving the peace negotiations in the Middle East between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The French Foreign Minister stressed his eagerness to communicate with the Iraqi Government and to exchange views with it on the developments in the region directly between the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs.



Present at the meeting were Iraqi Prime Minister's Counselor, Dr. Fadhil Jawad, Iraq's Ambassador in Paris, Fareed Yassin, Ambassador Zaid Izzuddine, and Acting Head of the Protocol Department, Manhal Al Safi.

Source:mofa.gov