Iraqi PM welcomes Macron upon Baghdad arrival

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday upon his arrival at Baghdad airport. Al-Kadhimi greeted Macron on the tarmac and escorted him with his entourage through to a drinks reception.

Macron is in Iraq to attend the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, a summit which brings together France, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The summit is intended to focus on enabling peace in the region as well as bolstering economic and social relationships. Attendees are also expected to include Egyptian President, Jordan's King and Iranian Foreign Minister. It is not clear whether Iranian President will be attending.