Iraq, France ink defense and energy deals
Shafaq News- Paris (Updated at 19:00)
Iraq and France signed a package of defense, energy, aviation, development, and cultural agreements on Monday during Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s visit to Paris, while pledging broader military cooperation after the Global Coalition’s mission ends on Sept. 30.
The defense package included a roadmap for future Iraqi purchases of French weapons systems and a letter of intent between Iraq’s Defense Ministry and French technology company Harmattan AI on autonomous air defense systems. Al-Zaidi also supported further talks with French firms on mobile air defense, artillery, counter-drone capabilities, and surveillance.
Baghdad and Paris said they would maintain bilateral military cooperation beyond the Coalition mission, with a focus on Iraqi border protection and strengthening state authority across the country. Al-Zaidi further pledged to pursue the investigation into the March 11 attack on French forces in Iraq that killed Maj. Arnaud Frion and wounded five soldiers.
Maritime security also featured in the agreements, with both countries reaffirming freedom of navigation under international law and efforts to ensure passage through the Strait of Hormuz. They supported regional energy connectivity, diversified export routes, and stronger links between Iraq and Europe.
In the energy sector, Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib signed a memorandum of understanding with TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné on gas supply and sales. A separate declaration of intent between the Iraqi government and the company covers electricity and oil projects designed to raise crude production, improve efficiency, and bolster domestic supply security.
Financing arrangements were reached with the French Development Agency (AFD), while the two countries’ civil aviation authorities established a framework for collaboration on aviation safety, technical standards, and air navigation services.
An economic forum brought together representatives of 50 French companies and business leaders to explore opportunities across infrastructure, industry, defense, services, healthcare, and the power sector. Both sides also identified Iraq’s anti-corruption efforts as important to improving the investment environment.
Education and research initiatives will encompass artificial intelligence, climate change, scientific collaboration, and academic exchanges, with Baghdad seeking to expand the number of French universities available to students under its scholarship program.
Cultural initiatives include French archaeological missions in Iraq, work with the Louvre-backed Mosul Museum, preservation of the country’s cinematic and audiovisual heritage, and assistance in developing a national cinema policy.
The two sides also welcomed the opening earlier this year of a French-funded medical center in Sinjar, part of wider reconstruction and development efforts in areas liberated from ISIS.
Baghdad and Paris concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the 2023 Iraq-France Strategic Partnership Agreement, which France has ratified, while Iraqi ratification remains pending.
