ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi began an official visit to France and Germany on Sunday, his first official trip to Europe, aiming to strengthen Iraq’s bilateral relations and cooperation with the two countries.

“Today, we are embarking on an official visit—our first to Europe—that will include France and Germany, as part of our efforts to consolidate bilateral relations across various sectors between Iraq and European Union nations,” the premier said in a post on X.

He added that Baghdad’s approach is grounded in “opening Iraq up to the outside world, supporting development plans, and enhancing the investment climate.”

Iraqi government spokesperson Haidar al-Aboudi said in a statement that the tour is set to begin in the French capital of Paris, where the premier is to hold talks with Macron “addressing the prospects of bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to advance them to higher levels."

In addition, a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of investment, energy, industry, trade, technology, education, culture, and infrastructure is expected to be signed as part of the visit, Aboudi added.

“From Paris, the Prime Minister will travel to Berlin to continue his discussions, aiming to expand Iraq's strategic partnerships,” he said.

The visit constitutes the premier’s first official visit to Europe during his tenure, aiming to “strengthen bilateral relations between Iraq and France and explore ways to expand partnerships across various fields,” according to a statement released by the premier’s office on Saturday.

Zaidi’s government has prioritized maintaining balanced relations with partners and countries around the world as a central aspect of its foreign policy, while refraining from engaging or taking sides in regional conflicts and tensions.

In a video released by state media, Zaidi explained that the purpose of the visit is to foster relationships with world countries built on “shared interests and balanced partnerships,” asserting that “Iraq must reclaim its position” on the global stage.

“With Paris, we are opening new avenues for cooperation, investment, and development,” the premier said, while noting that the country is “establishing partnerships built on knowledge, technology, industry and shared interests,” with Berlin.

Zaidi carried out his first overseas trip as prime minister in July, with a five-day visit to the US, where he met with President Donald Trump and signed several agreements with American companies.

The Iraqi premier visited both Iran and Turkey after his US visit, meeting with leaders from both countries, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two trips saw the signing of numerous MoUs.