Iraq, France Move to Deepen Cultural and Archaeological Ties

Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, held talks on Monday with France’s ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, aimed at strengthening cooperation in culture, archaeology and heritage preservation.

The meeting, at the ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad, brought together senior officials from Iraq’s cultural institutions, including the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, as part of efforts to expand international partnerships in the sector.

Al-Badrani said Iraq is seeking greater engagement with global expertise, describing France as a long-standing partner in protecting Iraq’s archaeological sites and promoting its cultural heritage internationally.

Ambassador Durel reaffirmed France’s support for Iraq’s cultural and archaeological sectors, noting the country’s renewed focus on restoring its historical and civilisational role, and expressed Paris’s willingness to broaden cooperation.

Discussions covered ongoing and planned projects, cooperation in excavation and conservation, the contribution of French archaeological missions in Iraq, and technical support for Iraqi specialists. The two sides also discussed cultural exchanges, support for the French Institute in Baghdad and cooperation in tourism development, including training and site management.