Iraqi President Jalal Talibani marks his first official trip to France with a four-day visit that includes meetings with French political and business leaders.
Iraqi President Jalal Talibani is getting the red-carpet treatment in France, with the Iraqi flag flying on the Champs Elysees in Paris. French President Nicolas Sarkozy is hosting a dinner for Talibani who is also expected to meet with French business leaders.
The visit underscores the turnaround in French-Iraqi relations. In 2003, France led international opposition to the U.S.-led war in Iraq. But in February, President Sarkozy paid his first visit to Baghdad.
French Ambassador to Iraq Boris Bouillon says today Paris is eager to capture a share of lucrative oil and reconstruction deals in Iraq.
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