French President Emmanuel Macron met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid in Paris on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing key regional and global challenges.
The leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East, reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability in the region. Both presidents stressed the importance of intensified international efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue among all parties.
“The two sides agreed on the need for enhanced global cooperation to ease regional conflicts and create stronger foundations for lasting peace,” the Élysée Palace said in a statement following the meeting.
President Rashid is currently on an official visit to France aimed at bolstering Iraq’s diplomatic and economic relations with European partners. France has been a longstanding ally of Iraq and has supported its post-conflict reconstruction, security reform, and counterterrorism efforts.
In addition to Middle East security, the two leaders also addressed environmental and climate concerns, with particular attention to the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference. Macron and Rashid discussed the importance of collective action to protect oceans and marine ecosystems, as well as the urgency of meeting international climate commitments.
They reviewed the conference’s agenda and the expected recommendations to combat ocean pollution, safeguard marine biodiversity, and accelerate action on climate change.
“Both presidents underlined the need to activate and uphold international commitments to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable development,” the statement added.
The meeting reflects France’s broader diplomatic strategy of engaging with regional leaders on issues that span both security and sustainability. For Iraq, the visit represents an opportunity to position itself as a proactive participant in global climate discussions while strengthening ties with a key European partner.
President Rashid’s visit comes at a time of heightened regional instability, as well as growing global concern over environmental threats. The talks in Paris are seen as a step toward reinforcing bilateral cooperation across multiple fronts — from diplomacy and energy to climate resilience and marine conservation.
