At a Glance

• The Iraqi Prime Minister stated that Iraq aims to rebuild international relations based on mutual interests and genuine economic partnerships.
• TotalEnergies plans to increase its significant oil and gas investments in Iraq from $12 billion to $16 billion.
• Al-Zaidi arrived in Paris yesterday ahead of a high-level diplomatic tour that also includes Germany.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi held high-level economic consultations in Paris on Monday, meeting separately with TotalEnergies Chairman Patrick Pouyanné and Rothschild & Co. executive Édouard de Rothschild to advance Iraq's multi-billion dollar energy and financial expansion strategies.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Al-Zaidi’s Media Office stated that during the meeting with the TotalEnergies Chairman, both sides “reviewed the company's strategic projects in Iraq, particularly in the gas sector. In this regard, the Prime Minister referred to the government’s plans to expand associated gas utilization with a view to achieving self-sufficiency, as well as plans to increase oil production over the next five years, enabling Iraq to reach a production level of 10 million barrels per day.”
• In a meeting with Baron Édouard de Rothschild, a member of the French branch of the Rothschild banking family, the talks “focused on ways to expand Iraq’s cooperation with international financial institutions and global banks.”

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During his visit to Paris, al-Zaidi met with TotalEnergies Chairman Patrick Pouyanné and stressed that implementation has begun to expand the scope of oil exploration in Iraq to support national economic growth and development plans.

He noted that preparations are underway to convene an international energy conference in Baghdad.

Pouyanné “affirmed the company’s readiness to cooperate with Iraq in the oil and energy sectors,” adding that TotalEnergies has significant oil investments in Iraq amounting to $12 billion, with plans to increase these investments to $16 billion in the future.

Al-Zaidi also met with Édouard de Rothschild of Rothschild & Co. to discuss mechanisms for expanding Iraq’s cooperation with international financial institutions and global banking networks.

The meeting reviewed government efforts to modernize the banking sector, elevate Iraq’s international credit rating, and advance economic diversification.

De Rothschild “highlighted the significance of the investment opportunities available in Iraq and the areas in which international financial institutions can contribute to the country’s development plans.”

FYI

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi arrived in Paris on Sunday to begin an official European tour that also includes Germany. 

The visit focuses on securing multi-billion dollar investments in infrastructure, expanding energy ventures, and modernizing Iraq's banking sector through high-level financial partnerships. 

Before departing Baghdad, al-Zaidi stated in a video message that Iraq aims to rebuild its international relations on mutual interests while opening new avenues for investment and development. 

He emphasized that a confident Iraq is actively translating its vast domestic capabilities into lasting economic strength and a vital stabilizing role in the region. 

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