Baghdad and Paris are intensifying efforts to develop military and intelligence capabilities as Iraq prepares for the post-International Coalition phase.

High-Level Military Meeting Between Iraq and France

Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, Deputy Commander of Iraq's Joint Operations Command, met with General Michel Delpit, Commander of the French Special Operations Command (COS).

During the meeting, both sides discussed coordination and advancing joint efforts in military training, as well as countering the remaining cells of the ISIS terrorist group.

Activating the Security Memorandum of Understanding

According to a statement issued by Iraq’s Security Media Cell, the two sides also discussed activating the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Iraq and France.

The main areas of focus included:

• Intelligence sharing and information exchange
• Enhancing Iraqi security capabilities in accordance with the constitution and applicable laws
• Sustaining operational pressure to pursue and eliminate ISIS remnants

France Reaffirms Strategic Partnership

During the meeting, the French General reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining a sustained strategic partnership with Iraq.

As a key member of the International Coalition, France intends to continue supporting Iraqi security forces through ongoing training and advisory frameworks.

Preparing for the Post-International Coalition Phase

The meeting comes as the mission of the International Coalition against ISIS in Iraq is scheduled to conclude by September of this year.

Federal government officials have reiterated that after this deadline, relations with coalition member states will transition into bilateral state-to-state frameworks, with no permanent foreign military deployment remaining inside Iraq.