Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and his accompanying delegation.

The Prime Minister noted his appreciation for the visit. Foreign Minister Bassil is the first Foreign Minister of an Arab country to visit the Kurdistan Region since the terrorist attacks began in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The Foreign Minister stressed that he came to the Kurdistan Region to convey his country’s solidarity and support.

Discussions centered on the political situation in Iraq, the impact of terrorists occupying parts of the country, the formation of the new government in Baghdad, and the importance of an inclusive government that represents all components of Iraqi society.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasised the need for substantive reform in Iraqi governance and the resolution of outstanding political issues in order to pave the way for a healthy political atmosphere. He said that the Kurdistan Region would participate in Iraq’s political process and negotiations.

The Prime Minister explained that the people of Kurdistan are proud of a culture of coexistence and tolerance that has been practiced in the Region for millennia. The KRG is committed to the protection of this culture and will exert all efforts and resources to ensure its continuation.

Both sides pointed to the importance of bilateral relations, discussing the dynamic presence of the Lebanese community in the Kurdistan Region. They discussed Lebanese involvement in trade, economic activity, development, reconstruction, and investment in the Kurdistan Region and how best to ensure and expand the mutually beneficial relationship.

Finally, the situation of displaced civilians and refugees currently in the Kurdistan Region was discussed. The Prime Minister described the extent of the humanitarian crisis and the need for urgent support from the international community.