(reuters) -- The invitation was delivered to Abadi on Aug. 26 by the French foreign and defence ministers during a visit to Baghdad, Abadi's office said in a statement, adding its purpose was "to strengthen bilateral relations and concentrate efforts on fighting terrorism."

A source in Macron's office said Abadi had accepted an invitation from Macron to visit Paris on Oct. 5 for talks on the Kurdish independence referendum.

A phone call between Abadi and Macron, after Monday's referendum "did not mention in any way the need to recognize the rights of the Kurdish people," said Abadi's statement.

(photo: nrt)