France: France's support for Iraq's stability and the strengthening of bilateral partnership between Baghdad and Paris across political, economic, and security fields were affirmed during a phone call held on Saturday between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iraq's Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh Al Zaidi.

According to Qatar News Agency, a statement issued by Prime Minister's Media Office, the future of Iraqi-French relations and ways to develop them in the coming period were discussed, with emphasis placed on expanding economic cooperation and enhancing joint coordination in a manner that serves the interests of both countries.

In a related context, President Macron stated in a post on the X platform that the Iraqi Prime Minister-designate is assuming responsibility amid highly challenging regional circumstances.

Reference was also made by Macron to an attack on a military convoy that resulted in the death of a French soldier in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on March 12.

He added that the need for a swift conclusion to the investigation into the attack that killed Arnaud Freon and injured several of his comrades had been reiterated.