Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the need to establish alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz for securing energy supplies. "Securing our energy supplies by working toward de-escalation and developing alternative routes to the Strait of Hormuz means reducing pressure on prices at the pump," Macron said Monday on the US social media platform X. According to Anadolu Agency, Macron's remarks came as he hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi in Paris, emphasizing that Al-Zaidi's choice to visit France first as part of his European tour showed their potential to play a "balancing role." Macron asserted that acting for regional stability is crucial for defending French interests and highlighted the importance of enhancing defense and security cooperation with partners to continue the fight against terrorism. Macron added that French diplomacy aims to protect the purchasing power of the French people and ensure their security. Meanwhile, Al-Zaidi began an official visit to France and German y on Sunday, leading a high-level government delegation to strengthen bilateral relations in numerous fields. The Iraqi government announced that Al-Zaidi's visit to France and Germany would cover discussions on economic, investment, trade, energy, industrial, and technological cooperation, as well as political and security issues. The tour aims to convert existing understandings into practical partnerships and attract further European investment to Iraq.