Macron arrives in Baghdad to hold talks with Iraqi officials

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Baghdad on his first official visit to Iraq for talks with the country’s senior officials. Coming straight from a two-day trip to the Lebanese capital Beirut, Macron arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday morning. Macron’s visit is the first by a western head of state to Iraq since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi came to power in May. Official Iraqi media said the French president will discuss closer military cooperation with Iraqi officials. Macron was welcomed by President Barham Salih upon arrival. He has already started a series of meetings with Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Kadhimi, President Salih and Parliament Speaker Mohammed…