Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani confirmed, during a joint press conference with the French Ambassador in Baghdad, that the Iraqi government is keen to strengthen the bonds of joint cooperation with France in all fields, especially cultural, tourism and archaeological. The Ministry of Culture said in a statement, "The Minister pointed out that Iraqi-French relations extend for many years throughout history, and we are always working to strengthen them through joint activities and events. In turn, we extend invitations through the French Ambassador to come to Iraq and hold French activities after the security stability and openness witnessed by the country. The Minister explained that the visit of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to France is evidence of the government's desire and endeavor to strengthen these relations in light of the agreements and protocols signed between the two sides. For his part, the French Ambassador stressed that cooperation is ongoing in or der to conclude important projects between Iraq and France, especially in the cultural and tourism fields, because culture is a bridge among peoples. Source: National Iraqi News Agency