Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Edouard de Rothschild of Rothschild & Co. discussed on Monday cooperation with international banks and strategies to improve Iraq’s credit rating.

During their meeting in the French capital, Paris, the two sides discussed approaches to expand Iraq’s cooperation with foreign banks, as well as the Iraqi government’s efforts to develop the banking sector, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The discussions also focused on the Iraqi government’s objectives in building a strong and diversified economy.

Rothschild highlighted Iraq’s investment potential and the approaches in which foreign financial institutions might contribute to the country’s development objectives.

The prime minister’s meeting with Rothschild is part of his diplomatic agenda in Paris. Al-Zaidi also met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to discuss regional security and energy supply channels.

Al-Zaidi held a separate meeting with TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne to discuss a multibillion-dollar expansion of Iraq’s oil and gas production capability.

Following his trip to France, the Iraqi prime minister is planned to fly to the German capital, Berlin, to continue his European tour.