Iraq and France signed six cooperation instruments spanning defence, energy, development finance, aviation and research, as Baghdad sought deeper French investment and security cooperation while diversifying energy-export routes amid regional instability.
The package, concluded during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi’s September 13-14 visit to Paris and talks with President Emmanuel Macron, came as TotalEnergies said it plans to increase its investments in Iraq to $16bn from about $12bn. France and Iraq also agreed on a strategic roadmap for future Iraqi purchases of French military equipment.
Defence formed a central component. Iraq’s Defence Ministry signed a letter of intent with Harmattan AI covering autonomous air-defence systems, while a separate declaration with France’s Armed Forces Ministry supports future procurement discussions involving aeromobility, artillery, counter-drone systems, air defence and surveillance. Paris and Baghdad also agreed to continue bilateral military cooperation after the international coalition’s mission concludes, including support for border protection and Iraqi sovereign defence capabilities.
In energy, Iraq’s Electricity Ministry and TotalEnergies signed a cooperation protocol concerning a gas supply and sale contract. Separately, the Iraqi government and the French energy major agreed to discuss additional large-scale projects aimed at increasing oil production and strengthening energy efficiency, sovereignty and transition. TotalEnergies Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanné said the company intends to raise its Iraqi investment footprint by about $4bn to $16bn.
The remaining instruments cover cooperation with the French Development Agency, youth, research and innovation, and civil aviation, including aviation safety and air-navigation development. Iraq’s Prime Minister’s Office characterised the package as six memoranda and cooperation instruments rather than six completed commercial contracts.
Macron and Al-Zaidi also called for greater diversification of Iraqi export routes and supply chains and stronger connectivity with Europe, while reaffirming freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. France said regional instability had affected Iraqi oil exports, increasing the economic importance of alternative routes.
The agreements deepen the 2023 France-Iraq strategic partnership, already ratified by France but still awaiting Iraqi ratification. A parallel Paris business forum brought together about 50 French corporate representatives across energy, infrastructure, industry, defence, services and healthcare, extending the visit beyond diplomacy into a broader pipeline of prospective investment and procurement.
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