Zebari, French FM discuss consolidating bilateral relations

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hoshyar Zebari, met the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Laurent Fabius, in Paris and discussed with him bilateral relations, the political and security status in Iraq and their future prospects.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited “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,” the statement added.

“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 statement continued.

The statement assured “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.”

“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,” the statement concluded.