Iraq, France Affirm Support for Stability in Syria and Coordination Against ISIS

Wlat TV – Erbil

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has reaffirmed Iraq’s support for efforts aimed at achieving stability in Syria, stressing the importance of reaching sustainable political solutions and ensuring the safe management of prisons holding ISIS members in a way that strengthens regional security and prevents renewed tensions.

The remarks came during his meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Baghdad on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. The two sides held talks on Iraqi-French relations and ways to expand cooperation across political, economic, and security fields, as part of Barrot’s regional tour.

Regional and International Coordination

During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of joint coordination on international issues and regional developments and emphasized the need to convene the Iraqi-French Joint Committee in the coming period. Hussein was also briefed on the outcomes of Barrot’s visit to Damascus and his meetings with Syrian officials.

The two ministers highlighted the necessity of closer coordination regarding the future of the Global Coalition against ISIS, supporting de-escalation efforts, and reaching lasting political solutions in Syria.

They also stressed the importance of the recent agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Damascus–SDF Agreement and the ISIS File

Hussein reiterated Iraq’s support for the agreement between the Syrian transitional government and the SDF, warning that the failure to reach stable understandings could negatively affect stability in Syria and the wider region.

He thanked the French minister for sharing details of his talks in Damascus, which focused on ways to promote stability, combat ISIS, and manage the issue of detained militants.

Hussein also affirmed Iraq’s continued active role within the international anti-terror coalition.

Both ministers stressed the importance of ensuring the responsible and secure administration of Syrian prisons holding ISIS members, and working toward an orderly transition in their management, to enhance security and stability in Syria and across the region.

For his part, Barrot reaffirmed France’s commitment to fighting terrorism within the framework of the international coalition, praised Iraq’s efforts in receiving prisoners transferred from northeast Syria, and expressed France’s readiness to support Baghdad in this file.