The new French Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Patrick Durel, accompanied by his delegation, visited Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue in the Holy City of Karbala on Sunday, meeting with the Head of the Forum, Ali Al-Talqani, along with a number of forum members: Dr. Khalid Al-Ardawi, Dr. Riyadh Al-Masoudi, Dr. Hameed Al-Turufi, Mr. Ahmed Jwaid, Mr. Adnan Al-Salihi, journalist Issam Al-Masoudi, and Mr. Mohammad Al-Talqani.
Discussions covered political, economic, cultural, intellectual, and social issues. Those present touched upon Iraqi-French relations and the necessity for France to play its role in supporting Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and efforts across various fields, particularly combating terrorism, as well as France's role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and mediating to end the war in Gaza.
Speaking to Al-Nabaa News Agency, Ali Al-Talqani, Head of the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, said the meeting with the French Embassy delegation, led by Ambassador Patrick Durel, focused on cultural and economic exchange.
Al-Talqani added that the meeting covered cultural and economic opportunities for the country, as well as research centers and their role in this field, given their important function at both the local and international levels.
Al-Talqani noted that the world today is increasingly interconnected in facing challenges, and that the French Ambassador's visit revolves around Iraqi-French relations.
For his part, the French Ambassador expressed his happiness with this first visit to Karbala and to the Al-Nabaa Forum for Dialogue, meeting the Head and members of the Forum, and discussing issues concerning Iraqi-French relations.
Durel noted that relations between the two countries are very old and strong, with many shared ties between the Iraqi and French peoples, pointing out that strengthening economic relations between the two countries is a priority, alongside ongoing cooperation in security, defense, education, and energy, as well as in the health field, where cooperation exists between the Iraqi and French Ministries of Health.
He pointed out that Iraq is better across various fields compared to past years, particularly regarding the security situation, and that there is a significant opportunity for foreign companies to invest in Iraq in a manner that serves its interests.
