A high-profile delegation led by French prime minister Francois Fillon has completed a visit to Baghdad, where it signed a broad trade and development accord with the Iraqi authorities.

In addition to agreements on cooperation in economic development and military training and support, the two parties also negotiated a deal to conduct engineering training programmes in the infrastructure and utilities sector.

Speaking to Iraqi president Nouri Al-Maliki, Mr Fillon said that the delegation, which included representatives of oil and gas major Total, is looking forward to a prosperous relationship with the country.

"Currently, we have firms working in Iraq in the field of transportation and airports. We have signed an agreement to protect French investments and an office for French firms will soon be opened in Baghdad," he added.

The Iraqi oil ministry has also this week concluded the first licensing procedure for new drilling in Iraq, with BP and China National Petroleum Corp both submitting winning applications for tender.

Global Education and Training event: Getenergy for Iraq