Zaidi in Paris for talks with Macron and agreements across eight sectors

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi left for France and Germany on Sunday, with understandings expected to be signed in Paris covering investment, energy, industry, trade, technology, education, culture and infrastructure.

Zaidi will meet President Emmanuel Macron for talks on bilateral relations before travelling to Berlin, government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said. The aim is “expanding Iraq’s strategic partnerships and translating its international relations into interests, opportunities and effective partnerships that strengthen the economy and development,” he said.

It is Zaidi’s second foreign trip since taking office in May. Iraqi agencies and companies announced 48 agreements and memorandums with U.S. firms during his July visit to Washington, covering oil, electricity, industry, technology and finance. The government has not published the texts or said how many are binding contracts.