Iraqi President Jalal Talabani says his country could send US-led troops home in two to three years once Iraq has set up its own domestic security forces.
Talabani made the comments during a six-day visit to France.
France strongly opposes the US-led invasion of Iraq, but President Talabani is keen to push for closer ties between Iraq and France.
"We've asked President Chirac to continue to support the Iraqi people in all areas. We've also expressed our desire to improve and deepen our relationship with France in all areas."
Amid continued shootings, bombings and abductions in Iraq three years after the US-led invasion, many in the United States and across the international community have questioned how much longer coalition forces should stay.
In September, Talabani told the United Nations that coalition forces should remain in Iraq until Iraqi security forces are "capable of putting an end to terrorism and maintaining stability and security."
France is not calling for an immediate withdrawal of US forces from Iraq, but French diplomats say announcing a schedule for a gradual pullout will help soothe tensions in Iraq.
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Director: Liu Chi