The French president considers Iraq ‘essential’ to stability in the troubled Middle East, it added.

“We all know that we must not lower our guard, because Daesh (IS) remains a threat, and I know that the fight against these terrorist groups is a priority of your government,” Macron said, after the meeting.

Iraq and France “are key partners in the war against terrorism,” Al-Kadhimi responded.

Among the invitees include Saudi Arabia, which said it would be represented by its foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum is heading to Baghdad to lead the Emirati delegation, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has already arrived.

Jordan’s King Abdullah is also expected to participate in the event.

Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meanwhile has left Kuwait to a lead a delegation of senior officials for the Baghdad summit of nine countries as well as number of international organizations.

Iraqi News Agency also reported that Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was on his way to Baghdad for the regional conference.

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meanwhile is representing Iran in the summit, and has already arrived in Baghdad.

For Iraq, hosting the talks is seen as a significant step. After decades of conflict, the country is seeking to reclaim a leadership role and status in the Arab world with a centrist policy and a determination among the country’s top leaders to maintain good relations with both Iran and the US and its regional allies.

– with agencies