On Monday, September 14, 2026, the President of the Republic of France received Ali Falih al-Zaidi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, at the Élysée Palace. The visit, which took place on September 13 and 14, was an official visit at the invitation of the French president, with the Iraqi leader leading a high-level delegation to strengthen the strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries. The two leaders discussed cooperation in priority sectors such as energy, transport, infrastructure, water, and health, while also reinforcing their collaboration in security and defense. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to fight terrorism without pause and to prevent the resurgence of Daech, respecting the sovereignty of both nations. The French president emphasized that stability in the Middle East must also yield concrete benefits for French citizens. The Iraqi prime minister thanked France for its support, especially in the fight against Daesh, a terrorist group that once controlled large parts of Iraq. The French president praised Iraq's balanced foreign policy and its role in fostering regional dialogue and cooperation. The two countries stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and joint efforts to ease regional tensions and ensure security. They highlighted the significance of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership in promoting regional stability. The French president also commended Iraq's efforts to centralize control over weapons, calling it a crucial step for strengthening the rule of law and state sovereignty. The two nations emphasized the importance of sustainability, regional interconnections, and diversifying export routes to ensure energy security and the stability of transport networks. They also stressed the need to improve connectivity between Iraq and Europe, particularly France. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maritime safety and freedom of navigation, key principles of international law, especially under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They also expressed support for maintaining open navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. The leaders agreed to continue strengthening their bilateral relations under the strategic partnership treaty signed in 2023, which France has already ratified and Iraq will soon do. They also discussed military cooperation, with France supporting Iraq in building its defense capabilities to protect borders and ensure national sovereignty. The Iraqi prime minister pledged to continue investigating the March 11 attack that killed a French soldier and injured others. The two countries also agreed on a strategic roadmap for future arms purchases by Iraq, including a new agreement with the French company Harmattan AI on air defense systems. The leaders expressed their desire to develop economic ties, and a business forum in Paris brought together 50 French company representatives to explore opportunities in energy, infrastructure, industry, and health. They supported Iraq's efforts to combat corruption, calling it vital for creating a safe environment for investment. Total Energies and the Iraqi government agreed to discuss energy projects aimed at boosting oil production and energy efficiency. France also committed to supporting Iraq's national cinema policy through partnerships with the National Center for Cinema and Animated Image (CNC) and the French National Audiovisual Institute (INA). The two countries also pledged to continue cultural cooperation, including French archaeological missions in Iraq and the opening of the Mosul museum with the help of the Louvre. They also agreed to develop joint exhibitions showcasing Iraq's rich archaeological heritage. Education and research were identified as central to the Franco-Iraqi partnership, with plans to strengthen university ties, promote academic exchanges, and expand scholarships for Iraqi students in French institutions. The Iraqi prime minister praised France's role in rebuilding areas liberated from Daesh, including the opening of the French Sinjar Medical Center, and expressed a desire to deepen humanitarian and development cooperation.