Erbil, Kurdistan Region, March 2, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received Major General Matthew McFarlane, the Commander of the international coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, in Erbil toady.

The meeting, attended by Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa and senior officials of the Ministry of Peshmerga, discussed the progress of the reform at the Ministry of Peshmarga and reorganization of the Peshmarga forces. The latest developments in the fight against terrorism and coordination between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army were highlighted.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude for the support of the United States and its allies to the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army, underlining that despite the obstacles and problems, the Ministry of Peshmerga is committed to the reform process, organization and unification of the Peshmerga. He also thanked the United States and other friendly countries for their assistance and support in the process.

Both sides agreed that ISIS remains a real threat to peace and stability in Iraq and Syria, reaffirming the importance of continued support of the international coalition in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and cooperation and coordination of the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army to fight terrorism and to eliminate ISIS.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Syria and the latest developments in the wider region.