Prime Minister Al-Zaidi Concludes European Tour, Returns to Baghdad

Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi arrived in the capital Baghdad at dawn on Wednesday, following the conclusion of an official European tour that included France and Germany. The tour featured an intensive series of meetings and activities in both countries. In France, Al-Zaidi met with President Emmanuel Macron. In Germany, he held discussions with Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and co-chaired a joint press conference with the German Chancellor. The Prime Minister also led the expanded discussions between the delegations of the two countries and participated in the German-Iraqi Dialogue Forum. The tour included meetings with the CEO of Siemens and his accompanying delegation, during which the signing of a principles agreement for energy cooperation (Phase 4) with the company was overseen. In Paris, Al-Zaidi oversaw the signing of six key memoranda of understanding and cooperation: 1. A letter of intent between the Ministry of Defense and Hermetan AI company. 2. A declaration of intent between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the French Ministry of Armed Forces. 3. A declaration of intent for partnership in enhancing youth opportunities, research, and innovation. 4. A declaration of intent regarding strengthening partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD). 5. A cooperation protocol concerning a gas supply and sales contract with TotalEnergies. 6. A declaration of intent for cooperation in civil aviation with the French Ministry of Transport. The tour agenda also included receiving the CEO of TotalEnergies, the Chairman of Rothschild Bank, a group of presidents and representatives of French companies, the President of the Arab World Institute, and several correspondents from French and foreign newspapers and media outlets.