A French military delegation wrapped up on Thursday talks with Iraqi officials on Baghdad's purchase of French military hardware, in the first such visit in 20 years, an Iraqi defence official said. "A French military delegation made the first such visit to Iraq in 20 years to discuss Iraq's purchase of sophisticated military materiel, such as patrol boats, fighter planes and helicopters," said General Mohammed al-Askari, spokesman for the defence ministry.
"Future military co-operation with France will cover ground, naval and air forces, training and the repair of equipment," the general added. A French diplomat said the team consisted of two senior officers, who had come to assess the country's needs in advance of a military attache being added to the embassy staff this coming autumn. In March, the two countries signed a contract for the sale of 24 military helicopters to Iraq, the first French arms deal with Baghdad since 1990. The 360 million euro (488 million dollar) deal was for Eurocopter EC 635s.
In February, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's paid a surprise visit to Iraq, the first ever by a French head of state. France deeply opposed the American invasion almost six years ago which ousted Saddam Hussein, a decision that left it at odds with the administration of then US president George W. Bush.
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