French President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday that Iraq is facing multiple challenges with the two biggest problems being foreign interference in Iraqi affairs and the Islamic State group insurgents.
In brief comments after meeting top Iraqi leaders on his first visit to Baghdad, Macron emphasized the need to safeguard the country's sovereignty and said France will continue to support Iraq.
"Iraq is going through a time of challenges. We will continue to be at Iraq's side," he said.
Macron is the first head of state to visit the Iraqi capital since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Iraq's former intelligence chief, formed a new government in May. The French leader, who arrived after a two-day visit to Beirut met with him and with Iraqi President Barham Salih. Macron's visit comes amid a severe economic crisis and a coronavirus pandemic that has put a huge strain on Iraqi politics.
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