Iraq, France discuss military training, armament
The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, and the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu. Photo: INA
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabet Al-Abbasi, and the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, discussed on Wednesday areas of cooperation in military training and armament.
Lecornu received Al-Abbasi upon his arrival in France and held a meeting to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The French Minister of the Armed Forces confirmed that one of France’s main objectives is to strengthen Iraq’s military and to advance peace and stability in the country.
Lecornu expressed France’s eagerness to cooperate in supporting Iraq after the completion of the international coalition’s mission and to focus on bilateral relations in accordance with a memorandum of cooperation between Iraq and France.
The two sides agreed on supporting Iraq’s sovereignty by securing its airspace using the latest technologies and equipment.
Al-Abbasi’s visit to France will last several days, during which several meetings will be held between Iraqi and French officials to support the Iraqi armed forces.
Last July, Lecornu and Al-Abbasi reviewed the discussions Baghdad was holding with Thales Group regarding the GM400 radar.
In January 2023, 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.
The Iraqi and French air forces conducted joint exercises in Iraq last May, in which Rafale aircraft took part.