Iraqi president meets with Sarkozy

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani met on 16 November with his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, to discuss relations between their two countries. Although no details were provided about the talks, it was believed that several agreements were signed, or would be signed during Talabani’s four-day stay in France, in matters of defense, security, and culture. The meeting of the two presidents was followed by a state dinner at the Elysee Palace that included their wives. Alabani’s trip is the first-ever state visit of an Iraqi president to France, and is the result of an invitation by Sarkozy. The French president traveled to Iraq in February, while Prime Minister Francois Fillon was there in July. Baghdad has ordered 25 French-built military helicopters in what Iraqi politicians billed as a deal showing their military independence, and the French energy giant Total is among dozens of international firms bidding for rights to develop Iraq’s oil resources. Iraq recently awarded two contracts to British, Chinese and US firms, the first Baghdad has awarded since it nationalized its oil resources more than 30 years ago, which it hopes will double its oil production. The cost of the reconstruction of Iraq has been estimated at more than $500 billion, and Paris and Baghdad have already signed several lucrative deals, mostly in matters of defense and security. During his visit, Talabani is also expected to meet with top officials in the influential businessman’s federation MEDEF.