The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Mustafa Ghaleb Mikhaif, met the Governor of the Central Bank of France (Banque de France), Mr. François Villeroy de Galhau, in Paris.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Wadee Al-Handal (Chairman of the Al Handal International Group) and Mr. Noor Al-Handal (Board Member), in addition to the chairman of the boards of directors from the Iraqi private banking sector and businessmen and traders.

His Excellency Mr. Mikhai the Governor and His Excellency Mr. de Galhau discussed several key topics, such as Global economic developments, the development of banking and economic relations between Iraq & France, and that France should be the starting point of the Iraqi banking sector towards Europe, stressing that this sector is making progress at various levels, such as banking services and other indicators that are witnessing a rise continuing.

They also discussed the file of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and developing human resources working in the banking sector with international institutions.

The Governor of the French Central Bank praised Iraq's efforts in Anti-Money Laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and developing banking relations between the two countries, stressing that the French banking sector is open to its Iraqi counterpart, especially with regard to facilitating transfers and banking relations.

On the other hand, His Excellency Mr. Mikhaif the Governor met with several French banks and companies, urging them to cooperate with Iraqi institutions and invest inside Iraq, stressing that the Iraqi banking sector is able to meet the requirements of French companies and facilitate their tasks, with the desire of the Central Bank of Iraq for France to be a starting point for the banking sector towards Europe to establish a network of distinguished banking relationships.