President Nechirvan Barzani received the Austrian Foreign Minister Mr. Alexander Schallenberg and his accompanying delegation today.

The President and Foreign Minister Schallenberg discussed Austria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations and the illegal immigration to Europe.

The President referred to the long-standing relationship between the two countries and praised Austria’s support for the Kurdistan Region including the continued direct flights between Vienna and Erbil. He congratulated Foreign Minister Schallenberg for reopening the Austrian Embassy in Baghdad and called for the establishment of an Austrian representative office in the Kurdistan Region.

The Austrian Foreign Minister stated that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and plan to establish a representative in Kurdistan. Mr. Schallenberg also stated that the Austrian private sector wishes to make investments in the Kurdistan Region. The two sides affirmed that stable political and security environments are essential to attract foreign capital and to promote economic growth. The two also discussed the importance of comprehensive cooperation between European countries and other countries in the region in order to combat illegal immigration.

In regards to the differences between Erbil and Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that the issues must be resolved in accordance with the constitution, and that the federal system of government must be fully established in a constructive way based on mutual understanding in order to resolve and overcome the disagreements. In addition, the President emphasized the importance of good friendly relations with neighboring countries and the protection of mutual interests.