Macron hosts Iraq's new PM al-Zaidi in Paris, bilateral deals signed

French President Emmanuel Macron received Iraq's new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Monday, in the Iraqi leader's first visit to Europe since he assumed office in April.

Macron came out of the presidential palace to greet al-Zaidi as his car arrived, and the two posed for photographers before going inside. They later sat down for talks, with officials from both sides signing a set of bilateral agreements while the two leaders looked on.

The discussions were expected to centre on cooperation in priority sectors, including energy, transport, infrastructure, water and health.

Al-Zaidi, a businessman and political newcomer, became Iraq's prime minister after emerging as a consensus candidate, ending months of deadlock over the premiership that followed last year's parliamentary elections.

The Paris stop marks his first trip to Europe since taking the top job, and the signed agreements signal an effort by both countries to deepen their bilateral engagement across economic and public-service sectors.