Iraq Welcomes French Foreign Minister

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner is in Iraq in response to an invitation from Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a report said Sunday.

Talabani personally issued an invitation to the French Foreign Ministry and Kouchner went in Baghdad to offer a message of solidarity to all Iraqi citizens, the BBC reported. The ministry also said during his visit to Iraq, Kouchner would be open to meeting with representatives of all communities.

Kouchner’s visit represents the first time a French minister has visited Iraq since the United States invaded the country in 2003.

The British broadcaster said France has openly opposed the United States’ military actions in Iraq.