Erbil, Kurdistan Region, October 21, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Mr. Mark Bryson-Richardson, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, in Erbil on Thursday.

At the meeting, attended by the UK Consul General in Erbil, the relations of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq with the United Kingdom, the latest developments in the country, the parliamentary elections in Iraq, the improvement in process from previous elections, and the importance of settling any disputes through the appropriate legal channels were highlighted.

Discussions also covered the Erbil-Baghdad relations, President Nechirvan Barzani’s recent visit to London, the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19 pandemic, the war on terrorism and confronting ISIS.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Ambassador Richardson reaffirmed commitment to strengthen relations and agreed that Iraq’s future government should be responsive to the will and expectations of its citizens. In regards to confronting COVID-19 and its wide ranging implications especially for schools, education and the economy, it was affirmed that the vaccination process needs to be expanded. Both sides also expressed delight over the coordination between the Peshmarga forces and the Iraqi army with support from the International Coalition to confront ISIS.

The President reiterated the importance of unity among Kurdistani factions in Baghdad and the efforts of the Kurdistan Region Presidency to achieve this. The President also offered his appreciation for the UK support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and referred to his recent visit to London, his meetings with UK Prime Minister and other officials in the United Kingdom, and the outcome of the meetings there. The President commended the role of the UK Embassy and Consulate General in Baghdad and Erbi in this regard.

Discussions also covered the developments in the wider region and other topics of mutual interest.