Erbil, Kurdistan Region (dfr.gov.krd) – Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of KRG Foreign Relations today discussed bilateral ties and recent developments with the Norwegian Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense.

Minister Mustafa thanked both Ministers for visiting the Kurdistan Region and expressed the gratitude of the people of Kurdistan Region for Norway’s continued humanitarian and military support.

“We view Norway as a partner and we want to establish a long term partnership with the Government of Norway. The KRG desires to broaden ties with the Government of Norway in the fields of economy, culture, energy, education and capacity building,” Minister Mustafa added. 

Børge Brende, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, highly spoke of the role of Kurdistan Region in dealing with the humanitarian and security challenges facing Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Minister Brende said, “Fighting terrorism and caring for refugees and displaced people is a global challenge. Members of the international community have a shared responsibility to support KRG.”

The Minister announced that the government of Norway recently donated $13 million in humanitarian assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and stressed that “The Kurdistan Region can count on the support of Norway”.

Both Ministers exchanged views on the preparation of the opening of the Norwegian representation office in Kurdistan. Minister Brende stated, “Norway is committed to establish a long term partnership with the Kurdistan Region.”

Eriksen Søreide, Minister of Defense of Norway, highlighted the bravery of Peshmerga forces in the fight against international terrorism and reiterated the commitment of the government of Norway to continue its military support to Peshmergas.