Macron to meet Iraq PM in early 2023

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron attends a news conference during a visit to the Gendarmerie school as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in Longvic, France, November 25, 2022 . Christophe Petit Tesson /Pool via REUTERS

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to meet Iraq's prime minister in early 2023, Macron's office said on Sunday, adding that Paris would help Baghdad in its fight against attacks on its sovereignty.

The French leader invited Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to France in early 2023, Macron's office said in a statement after they spoke by telephone.

France has condemned strikes claimed by Iran against Kurdish targets inside Iraq, calling for the security of the autonomous region of Kurdistan to be respected.

FILE PHOTO: Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during a vote on Sudani's cabinet at the parliament in Baghdad, Iraq, October 27, 2022. Iraqi Parliament Media Office/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY

Sudani was appointed prime minister in mid-October, ending a year of political deadlock after a national election.

(Reporting by GV De Clercq; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and John Stonestreet)