Iraq, France discuss military cooperation
The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Muhammad Al-Abbasi, and the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu. Photo: Euronews
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Muhammad Al-Abbasi, received on Tuesday the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, in Baghdad, where they discussed bilateral cooperation.
The French minister revealed that the French army will carry out a new round of training with the Iraqi army.
“We reviewed the French-Iraqi relationship. We also discussed the presence of French forces within the international coalition and the important role they play in combating terrorism and remnants of the ISIS group,” Al-Abbasi said during a press conference following his meeting with Lecornu.
Lecornu welcomed the decisive action of the French forces in Iraq, alongside the Iraqi forces and other partners, including the American partner.
“We currently have a road map represented by an upcoming unique training called the Desert Battalion,” Lecornu said.
The French official explained that the training, in which 80 French trainers will take turns training five battalions, or 2,100 Iraqi soldiers, will last for two years.
The two ministers also discussed armament, especially with regard to securing Iraqi airspace.
Lecornu talked about the discussions Baghdad is holding with Thales Group regarding the GM400 radar, clarifying that discussions will continue regarding other equipment and radars.
In January, during a visit to Paris, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, met with representatives of Thales Group, Dassault Group and Airbus to discuss the possible supply of radars, Rafale aircraft and military helicopters to Baghdad.
In May, the Iraqi and French air forces conducted joint exercises in Iraq, in which Rafale aircraft participated.