MOJNEWS-French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday welcomed the United States’ decision to leave at least ۲۰۰ troops in Syria after the planned withdrawal of most of its forces.

"On the U.S. decision, I can only but welcome this choice…the U.S. decision is a good thing," said Macron, speaking at a joint news conference with his Iraqi counterpart Barham Salih at the Elysee Palace.

"That responds to the need to stay with the SDF and those who, on the ground, have worked to fight against the Islamic State," he added, referring to the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces.

He will pay a visit to Iraq in the coming months, he noted.

Touching on the cooperation between France and Iraq on security and defense issues, he underlined that France will continue supporting Iraq against terrorism.

The U.S. currently has more than ۲,۰۰۰ troops deployed in Syria.

On Thursday, the White House said ۲۰۰ troops will remain in Syria as part of a peacekeeping effort. However, a report published by The Washington Post said ۴۰۰ troops will remain, with ۲۰۰ in northeast Syria and another ۲۰۰ at the al-Tanf garrison in southern Syria.