Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, on Sunday received Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and his accompanying delegation.

The two sides discussed the latest Peshmarga forces victories and advances in the town of Sinjar and its environs. The Dutch Minister, who visits Kurdistan Region for the first time, congratulated Prime Minister Barzani for these victories and reiterated his country’s humanitarian and military support for the Kurdistan Region.

He highlighted the Netherlands military activities in the fight against terrorism and the participation of his country’s air force at the international coalition against the Islamic State terrorist organization, also known as ISIS.

Bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Netherlands were another topic discussed in the meeting. The two sides expressed their willingness to develop these relations, particularly in the sectors of trade, agriculture and energy. They have also discussed the Dutch companies’ activities in the Region and ways to develop them.

Regional political and military developments were also discussed, including the breakthrough agreement, which was concluded earlier this month, between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq, Kurdistan Region’s role in rebuilding post-2003 Iraq, Kurdistan Region’s relations with the neighboring countries, the Kurdish issue and the peace process in Turkey and Syrian crisis.

Joint Press Conference

In a press conference, held following the meeting, both sides shed light on the topics discussed and answered questions from the press.  

Prime Minister Barzani praised the role of the Netherlands, which is currently involved, as part of the international coalition, in the fight against ISIS and provides assistance to the Peshmerga forces.

He also recalled Netherland’s role in protecting the Kurdistan Region against the repression inflicted by Saddam Hussein’s forces in 1991, which caused a mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Kurds.

Prime Minister Barzani said, “We have discussed a range of topics in our meeting, including training of Peshmarga forces, providing humanitarian aid to the Kurdistan Region to assist the internally displaced and refugees and the Netherlands participation in the development of Kurdistan Region’s economy.”

The Dutch Foreign Minister reiterated that his country will continue its support to the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the field of energy and agriculture.

In the military domain, he pointed out that his country plans to send 100 military experts and trainers to Iraq.

He also commended the Kurdistan people and its government for providing assistance and sheltering such large number of internally displaced and refugees, fleeing ISIS repression in both Iraq and Syria.

The Dutch Foreign Minister welcomed the recent agreement between Erbil and Baghdad describing it as a catalyst for resolving other outstanding issues.

He expressed his country's willingness to participate in the Kurdistan Region’s development.

Sinjar Operations

With regards to the victories marked by Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces in Sinjar and its environs in the past few days, the Prime Minister congratulated the Peshmerga forces and expressed his gratitude.

He said, “They have performed their tough duty courageously. As you know that these operations were led under the direct command of Kurdistan Region’s President, Masoud Barzani, who has been monitoring the situation and personally directing the operations in all the positions … Sinjar is very important for us, particularly for President Barzani, which is why he personally participated in these operations.”

He added, “We have liberated large territories, and despite the fact that the entire town of Sinjar is not yet totally freed, there is a remarkable progress and we hope, God willing, to hear good news soon … It is to underline that the Peshmerga forces have marked one of their great victories.”

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, welcomed the new Head of the Dutch Embassy Liaison Office in Erbil and expressed his government’s gratitude for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and non-lethal military equipment by the Netherlands.

Minister Mustafa congratulated Mr John van der Zande, the new Head of the Liaison Office, on assuming the post, assuring him of the KRG’s continued support for the Dutch mission in Kurdistan.

Mr van der Zande discussed the two shipments of humanitarian assistance already delivered to Erbil by the Netherlands. He also informed Minister Mustafa that the Dutch government has decided to provide non-lethal military equipment to KRG’s Peshmerga forces, beginning with one thousand combat helmets and one thousand bulletproof vests.

Minister Mustafa expressed his government’s appreciation and gratitude regarding these measures. He highlighted the importance of receiving continued support from the international community, emphasising the KRG’s commitment to combat the terrorists.

Both sides also discussed the well-established bilateral relationship between Kurdistan and the Netherlands, exchanging ideas on areas for further cooperation in economic, cultural, and political fields.

The Minister noted his government’s appreciation of the efforts and services of Mr Peter van Leeuwen, Mr van der Zande’s predecessor. Ms Siham Jabali, Assistant Head of the KRG Foreign Relations Department, also attended the meeting.