President Nechirvan Barzani was welcomed by French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Friday.

During their private discussion, the two leaders focused on enhancing French relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They also emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad to address their outstanding issues.

The leaders engaged in a comprehensive dialogue, covering the political, security, and economic situation in Iraq, as well as the latest developments in the region. They underscored the necessity of strengthening the ties between France and both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, in line with the strategic agreement between Iraq and France.

Recognizing the complex situation in the region, President Barzani and President Macron agreed on the imperative of maintaining peace and stability in Iraq. They emphasized the significance of continued understanding and dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve their differences.

In light of the challenging circumstances in the Middle East, both leaders stressed the need for concerted efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts and safeguard the well-being of civilians. They also highlighted the importance of providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. They acknowledged that any further complications in the situation could jeopardize peace and stability in the wider region.

Additionally, the leaders discussed the latest developments in the fight against terrorism, particularly the threats posed by ISIS. They also addressed the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with neighboring countries and the broader region, as well as the situation in Syria.