France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Monday said that his country will continue support Iraq after the defeat of Islamic State (IS) and is looking forward to participate in rebuilding Iraq, an Iraqi Foreign Ministry statement said.
“I have come to Baghdad to emphasize our continued support to the Iraqi people in various fields and look forward to contributing to the reconstruction of the infrastructure of the Iraqi cities,” the statement quoted Le Drian as saying after his meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari.
Le Drian also said that his country is committed to rebuild the University of Mosul, which was badly damaged by the fierce battles against the extremist IS militants, and expressed France’s readiness to open new horizons to strengthen bilateral relations, the statement said.
The chief of the French diplomacy revealed that the French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Baghdad during the coming period, it said.
For his part, Jaafari said that Iraq “will not forget the friendly countries that stood by his side and supported him in humanitarian, military and service fields, and we are looking forward to their contribution to the reconstruction of the infrastructure of Iraqi cities,” according to the statement.
As for the conference of Iraq’s reconstruction held in Kuwait, Jaafari confirmed “we count on the active presence of the international community at the donor conference in Kuwait, and the continuation (of the world) to stand by the Iraqi people,” the statement added.
“The partnership between Iraq and France is very important and we must make more efforts to activate common interests and face common risks,” Jaafari concluded.
Earlier in the day, Le Drian arrived in Baghdad on an official visit to discuss bilateral relations, including France’s participation in the conference of Iraq’s reconstruction held in Kuwait, as well as supporting Iraq in its war against terrorism.
Le Drian is also expected to meet with top Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
Le Drian visit came as Kuwait’s international conference for reconstruction of Iraq, which follows the full defeat of Islamic State group in the country.
The conference has kicked off in Kuwait on Monday and is scheduled to end on Feb. 14, as donor countries and organizations are expected to announce financial contributions at the meeting amid great aspirations by the Iraqis who are eager for a positive outcome that will help rebuild their war-torn country.
