By Xinhua,
BAGHDAD : French President Nicolas Sarkozy who paid a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday urged leaders of the European Union (EU) to boost ties with Iraq.
“We want to encourage the European countries to come here,” Sarkozy said at a joint news conference after meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Jalal Talabani.
“It is in Europe’s interest to support peace in Iraq,” Sarkozy said, adding that he wishes that many of the EU leaders would follow suit and visit Iraq.
The French leader hailed the successful Jan. 31 provincial elections in Iraq and promised that his country would support Iraq politically and economically.
“The elections were very successful, and France believes in the unity of Iraq and the world needs unified and democratic Iraq, with full sovereignty,” Sarkozy said.
“I have come to Iraq to express the readiness of France to participate in the economic development in the country,” he said.
For his part, Talabani welcomed Sarkozy’s visit, saying ” France was supporting Iraq for 40 years and we know Sarkozy as a friend to Iraq for a long time.”
Earlier in the day, Sarkozy arrived in Baghdad accompanied by French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, and the two were received by Iraq’s Talabani in an official ceremony aired on Iraqi state-run television.
Around midday, Sarkozy is holding a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, the television reported.
Sarkozy’s visit came as part of a regional tour which will also takes him to Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.