ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday received Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the Elysee Palace in Paris as part of the Iraqi premier’s official visit to France, the first leg of his European tour aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.

Macron said in a post on X that Zaidi’s “choice” of France as the first stop of his European tour reflects France’s ability to “play a balancing role.”

French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin welcomed Zaidi upon his arrival in Paris in the presence of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during which the Iraqi and French national anthems were played, Iraqi state media reported.

Zaidi began his official visit to France and Germany on Sunday, his first official trip to Europe.

Prior to his departure, Zaidi said on X that the visit is part of Baghdad’s efforts “to consolidate bilateral relations across various sectors between Iraq and European Union nations.”

A series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in the fields of investment, energy, industry, trade, technology, education, culture and infrastructure are expected to be signed as part of the visit, Iraqi government spokesperson Haidar al-Aboudi said in a statement on Sunday.

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 in 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.