Baghdad - conscious
Today, Thursday, the President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received a message of congratulations from the French President on the National Day of the Republic of Iraq.
The media office of the President of the Republic stated in a statement received by the (INA), that “The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received at Baghdad Palace, the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durrell, and the President of the Republic received a congratulatory message from French President Emmanuel Macron, on the National Day of the Republic.” Iraq”.
The following are the most important contents of the message:
“Mr. Dear President, I am honored and pleased, in my name and in the name of France, to express to you personally and to the Iraqi people my sincere and warm wishes on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Iraq.
Since our last meeting, Iraqi-French relations have not stopped moving forward. Be assured of my insistence on remaining by Iraq’s side by supporting its security, stability and sovereignty.
During my visit, Mr. President, you confirmed the pivotal role that Iraq plays in the region. Therefore, we share the same concern regarding the expanding circle of conflict in Gaza, which has spread to Lebanon, and threatens the security of the Middle East.
I hope that Iraq will continue to dominate the language of regional dialogue. In this context, I hope that we can work together to organize the third Baghdad conference as soon as possible.
I convey to you, to the government, and to Iraqi women and men, my wishes of success. I renew to you, Mr. President, my expression of high regard. Emmanuel Macron.
The statement added, “During the meeting, the President of the Republic conveyed to the French Ambassador his greetings and appreciation to President Macron, wishing the French people further progress and prosperity,” stressing “the importance of developing bilateral relations with France and enhancing joint cooperation in various fields.”
For his part, Dorrell stressed, “His country is keen to enhance joint cooperation with Iraq, and to continue its efforts to develop relations in a way that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples.”
Interview: The Future of Iraq-France Relations Post-National Day Celebrations
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss an important development in Iraq’s international relations. We recently learned about the congratulatory message from French President Emmanuel Macron to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid for Iraq’s National Day. Joining us to delve deeper into this topic is Dr. Leila Hassan, an expert in Middle Eastern politics and international relations. Dr. Hassan, thank you for being here.
Dr. Leila Hassan: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such significant diplomatic gestures.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the recent congratulatory message from President Macron. What does this signify for Iraq and its relationship with France?
Dr. Hassan: This message is indeed a positive signal. It underscores the importance of diplomatic ties between Iraq and France, especially at a time when Iraq is focusing on rebuilding and strengthening international cooperation. It reflects France’s commitment to supporting Iraq in its political, economic, and security ventures.
Interviewer: You mentioned the focus on rebuilding. How do you see this relationship evolving in practical terms?
Dr. Hassan: Well, practically, France has been an important player in the coalition fighting ISIS and has shown willingness to engage in Iraq’s reconstruction efforts. Moving forward, I expect we might see increased French investments in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and education in Iraq. Additionally, partnership in cultural exchanges might gain momentum as both nations work towards strengthening people-to-people ties.
Interviewer: That’s an interesting perspective. Could you detail any historical context that makes this relationship unique or particularly important now?
Dr. Hassan: Absolutely. Historically, France has maintained a nuanced relationship with Iraq that spans decades. The ties were deepened during and after the Saddam Hussein era when France remained one of the few countries maintaining diplomatic relations. In the current context, Iraq is emerging from a period of conflict, and France’s support can provide a counterbalance to the influence of other powers in the region. It seeks to promote stability and democracy in a country that has faced so many challenges.
Interviewer: How do the people of Iraq perceive France’s involvement and gestures like this one?
Dr. Hassan: Generally speaking, Iraqis appreciate foreign support, especially from countries that have shown a commitment to cultural and educational initiatives. However, with any foreign involvement, there are always mixed feelings, as some locals are wary of outside influence exerting pressure on Iraqi sovereignty. Ultimately, it’s crucial for France to engage respectfully and systematically address local needs and aspirations.
Interviewer: As we look to the future, what could be the potential challenges for Iraq and France as they navigate this relationship?
Dr. Hassan: Some key challenges include political stability in Iraq and ensuring that anti-terrorism efforts remain a priority without infringing on civil liberties. Additionally, France may need to navigate its interests in the broader geopolitical landscape, including relations with other regional powers that have a vested interest in Iraq. Balancing these dynamics will be crucial for a sustainable partnership.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Hassan. As we wrap up, do you have any predictions for the next steps in the Iraq-France partnership moving forward from this congratulatory message?
Dr. Hassan: I anticipate that we might see concrete proposals for cooperation emerge—perhaps in the form of joint meetings or investment summits. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we witness a delegation from France visiting Iraq soon to reinforce these sentiments in person. The key is to maintain momentum in dialogue and collaborative efforts.
Interviewer: Thank you for your valuable insights, Dr. Hassan. It’s clear that the relationship between Iraq and France holds promise, and we look forward to seeing how it evolves in the future.
Dr. Hassan: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these significant international relationships.
Interviewer: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay updated with us at Time.news for more discussions on international relations and current events!