Talabani receives credentials of new French envoy to Iraq

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Iraqi President Jalal al-Talabani on Sunday received the credentials of the new French ambassador to Iraq, Boris Boillon. “Talabani stressed the necessity of boosting bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with France, expressing his great respect for the French people and President Nicolas Sarkozy,” according to a presidential statement received by Iraqi News. “Circumstances are favorable for the development of political, trade, economic, oil and cultural relations between the two countries,” the statement quoted Talabani as saying. Meanwhile, Boillon said that his country is looking forward to Talabani’s historic visit to France to foster mutual cooperation in all fields, particularly in the economic field. “The new Iraq needs France just like France needs Iraq,” Boillon noted. SS (P) 1