Erbil, Kurdistan Region, April 21, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Stephen Hickey, and his accompanying delegation, in Erbil on Wednesday.

Discussions included ISIS resurgence and its threats against stability and peace in the country. President Nechirvan Barzani commended the important role of the International Coalition in supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region against terrorism, the complete elimination of ISIS networks, and the need for coordination and cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad with the coalition partners.

The President underlined the importance of a common vision for all parties in Iraq to improve the living conditions of fellow citizens following past years economic downfalls and hardships.

The UK delegation expressed concerns over the attacks that targeted the Kurdistan Region recently, especially the city of Erbil, and strongly condemned the attacks which undermine peace and stability in Iraq.

Other topics of discussions included the relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the United Kingdom, the President’s recent visit to Baghdad and Erbil-Baghdad relations. The meeting valued the ratification of the Iraqi Budget Law and the agreement on the issue of the Federal Court.

Discussions also covered the efforts of the Kurdistan Region Presidency to bring the political parties together, the upcoming Iraqi elections, the role of the international community in solving the problems of Iraq, strengthening state institutions and benefiting from international support, the economic situation of Iraq, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the status of the displaced people and refugees hosted in camps in Kurdistan Region.