Iraq – Conversation between Mme Catherine Colonna and her counterpart (02 Aug. 2022)

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Mme Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, spoke on the telephone today to her counterpart, Mr Fuad Hussein.

The French Minister reiterated France’s commitment to a stable, sovereign and prosperous Iraq. As such, she signalled her concern over recent developments in Iraq. She called on all the parties to show calm and restraint, with due regard for the institutions and the Iraqi constitution and taking into account the Iraqis’ aspiration to live in peace. In this regard, the Minister welcomed Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s statement on 1 August calling on political leaders to engage in dialogue and consultation. The successful deployment of a French consul general to Mosul in July testifies to France’s continued commitment to supporting Iraq.

The Minister signalled France’s desire to strengthen our bilateral relationship in every sphere – political, security, economic, humanitarian, educational, cultural – as well as in the energy field, amid the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on global energy stability and Europe’s supplies.

Mme Colonna expressed France’s commitment to dialogue in order to calm tensions in the region, building on the Baghdad conference organized by Iraq, in coordination and cooperation with France, on 28 August 2021. The Minister welcomed Iraq’s commitment to this end.