
ISHM: January 26 – February 2, 2023
Key Takeaways: Iraq, France Sign Partnership Agreements; Arab Foreign Ministers Visit Baghdad; Top Court Sues Deputy Speaker Abdullah – On January 26, PM Sudani met with French President Emmanuel Macron to sign a “strategic partnership” agreement for cooperation on security and defense, the environment, democratic development, and economic cooperation, especially concerning renewable energy, oil and gas, and transportation. Iraqi and French officials also signed memoranda of understanding dealing with culture, education, archaeology, fighting corruption, organized crime, and money laundering. On January 28, the Foreign Minister of Morocco visited Baghdad to meet with his Iraqi counterpart and reopen the Moroccan embassy in Baghdad, which had been closed for 18 years. The Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia also visited Baghdad this week and met with PM Sudani, Speaker Halbousi, and other officials. The talks focused on economic relations, Saudi investments, “activating” the bilateral Iraqi-Saudi coordination council, and efforts to combat drug trafficking.