Baghdad, Mar 16 (UNI) Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani held Saturday a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which they discussed bilateral relations and the situations in the Middle East.

The two leaders agreed to form a joint team to schedule Macron's visit to Baghdad and explore the possibility of holding the third edition of the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

The two leaders emphasized that the new political process in Syria must represent the country's social diversity, stressing the importance of combating terrorism and extremism and advancing a pluralistic and inclusive political process in Syria, it said.

They also underscored the need to ensure stability in Lebanon, intensify efforts for Gaza's reconstruction, maintain the ceasefire, and prevent any escalation due to non-compliance, according to the statement.

During the conversation, al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation at various levels, particularly in the economic and cultural sectors, the statement said.

For his part, Macron expressed his country's desire to continue cooperation with Iraq in various fields, particularly its readiness to coordinate with Iraq in counterterrorism efforts, it said.

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