Iraqi premier vows territory won't be used to threaten neighbors

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Saturday told French President Emmanuel Macron that Baghdad seeks balanced relations with neighboring states and will not permit its territory to be used to threaten their security, emphasizing the importance of bilateral ties during a phone call that also covered economic cooperation and the end of the international coalition's mission. The two leaders discussed opportunities for French companies in Iraq and joint efforts to reduce regional tensions, according to a statement from the Iraqi premier's media office.

Al-Zaidi invited Macron to visit Iraq and called for joint efforts to build a "sustainable economic and investment partnership" that serves the interests of both countries, the statement said. He added that his government would continue working to strengthen stability and "transform Iraq into an influential economic and political power in the region," citing the country's resources and strategic position connecting international trade routes.

Coalition withdrawal timeline

On security issues, al-Zaidi reiterated that Sept. 30 would be the "final date for the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq," stating that ending the mission would allow Baghdad to focus on reconstruction and development. Macron, for his part, praised steps taken by the Iraqi government and reaffirmed France's support for Iraq's efforts to combat corruption and implement economic reforms, according to the statement.

The French president also said Paris would continue supporting Baghdad in combating terrorism and strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi armed forces. Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to protecting its security, sovereignty and national interests while relying on dialogue to address regional issues.

Background on coalition mission

On Sept. 27, 2024, Washington and Baghdad announced a two-phase plan to end the coalition's mission in Iraq, with the first phase scheduled for completion by September 2025 and the second running through September 2026 for operations in Syria from an air base in Erbil. The US leads the coalition, which includes France and Spain and was formed in 2014 to fight the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group.

Then-Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIS in December 2017 after three years of fighting, though the group continues to operate in northern, western and eastern provinces through sporadic attacks. The Iraqi government conducts security and military operations to eliminate ISIS remnants.