Kurdistan Regional

Kurdistan Regional (741)

President Nechirvan Barzani receives outgoing French Ambassador

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 8, 2024

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude to Mr. Eric Chevallier, the departing French Ambassador to Iraq, for his dedication and tireless efforts towards strengthening the bilateral ties of his country with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. During a farewell meeting held to mark the conclusion of his tenure in Iraq, the President conveyed his best wishes for Mr. Chevalier’s future endeavors and success in his next assignment.

The mutual desire to enhance relations and foster friendship between France and Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Region, was emphasized by both parties. Additionally, the importance of maintaining strong relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and the ongoing discussions aimed at resolving any outstanding issues between them, were highlighted.

Ambassador Chevallier, in turn, conveyed his appreciation for the support provided by the Kurdistan Region, which greatly contributed to the success of his tenure in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He expressed his optimism for the continuation of this fruitful collaboration with the next French Ambassador to Iraq.

The meeting also revolved around the internal affairs of the Kurdistan Region, the outcomes of the provincial council elections in Iraq and the disputed territories, as well as the recent developments in the Middle East and the wider region.

The French Consul General, Dr. Yann Braem also attended the meeting.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-outgoing-french-ambassador/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with US Deputy Secretary of State

President Nechirvan Barzani had a meeting with the US Deputy Secretary of State, Ms. Victoria Nuland in Erbil on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by the US Ambassador to Iraq, US Consul General in Erbil and a number of diplomats. They discussed a wide range of issues including the US relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the political and security situation in the country, Erbil-Baghdad relations, and the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of diplomatic envoys and the security of US and coalition forces in Iraq. They agreed that Iraqi authorities should take the necessary actions to bring an end to these attacks.

In regards to the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region, both sides recognized the significance of unity and understanding among political parties, particularly between the PUK and the KDP in the Kurdistan Region and in Iraq. In this regard, President Nechirvan Barzani pointed to a rapprochement and improvement in relations.

The meeting also covered topics including the Iraqi provincial council elections, the latest developments in the region, the ramifications of the war in Gaza, and other topics of mutual interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-us-deputy-secretary-of-state/

President Nechirvan Barzani’s New Year Address

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, December 31, 2023

In his New Year message, President Nechirvan Barzani stresses the need for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to work together to address the ongoing challenges through dialogue and in a spirit of shared responsibility, mutual acceptance and solidarity. The main goal for the coming year should be to promote stability and peace by turning crises into opportunities, while prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, the President underlines.

The following is his full address:

As we welcome the arrival of the New Year, 2024, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the families of our fallen heroes, to our brave Peshmerga and security forces, and all the people of Kurdistan from every community, as well as to the people of Iraq and the world. May the coming year be filled with joy, peace, and prosperity for all.

We endured a challenging year, marked by obstacles and perils brought about by the political, security, and economic circumstances, as well as the problems and crises in Iraq, Kurdistan Region and the wider region.

Internal political discord and disputes reflected negatively on Kurdistan Region’s standing and ability within Iraq and internationally. Consequently, the Kurdistan Region was unable to attain its constitutional rights. The parliamentary elections in Kurdistan were postponed, and in the provincial council elections in the areas covered by Article 140 of the Constitution, the negative ramifications of the discord were evident.

Despite talks, efforts, and commitments, many of the constitutional rights and entitlements of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq were not fulfilled, contrary to political agreements and the Constitution. The peace and stability of the Kurdistan Region were repeatedly threatened by drone attacks.

The failure to implement political agreements and respect the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region can only be damaging to Iraq. We must all work together, in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, to resolve issues and overcome crises through dialogue and understanding, in a spirit of shared responsibility, mutual acceptance and solidarity.

In the new year, in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region let’s learn from the past and strive for a stable, tranquil and better future together. Let’s transform crises and challenges into opportunities, with the interests of the people and the country as the ultimate goal that unites us. Iraq’s strength and prosperity stem from the presence of its varied communities and only through unity and solidarity can we all emerge victorious.

On this occasion, we reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to enhancing our ties with our neighboring countries, the region, and the world, based on mutual respect and shared interests. As always, the Kurdistan Region will continue to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability, actively engaging with the international community, and fostering a diverse and harmonious society.

With great hope and anticipation, we look forward to the future.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/congratulations-to-president-nechirvan-barzani-on-the-occasion-of-the-new-year/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Turkish Ambassador

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, November 28, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting today with Türkiye’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Ali Riza Guney, and his delegation. In their discussion, both sides commended the strength of Iraq’s and Kurdistan Region’s relations with Türkiye, while also emphasizing the importance of further enhancing these relations and promoting greater cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and the economy.

The Turkish Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to support oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. The President expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for its stance and referred to the technical discussions that are currently underway between Erbil and Baghdad to facilitate this process.

In addition to exchanging views on the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the meeting also addressed the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the status of ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the latest developments in the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-turkish-ambassador/

KRG Prime Minister Welcomes UK Military Delegation

On November 22, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) met with a British military delegation, led by Marshal Sammy Sampson, the UK's Senior Military Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa.

Their discussions focused on the ongoing progress made in bilateral security and military cooperation, exploring specific avenues for enhancing such partnerships.

The meeting also addressed the current conflicts in the Middle East. Both parties expressed unanimous agreement on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasising the need for peaceful resolutions and preventing Iraq's involvement in regional military conflicts.

Prime Minister Barzani underscored the necessity of protecting the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people and upholding the region's constitutional rights and federal statutes.

Furthermore, he called for increased international involvement to assist Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in resolving their outstanding issues.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/november/krg-prime-minister-welcomes-uk-military-delegation/

KRG Prime Minister Discusses Regional Issues and Domestic Policies in Special Panel

In a candid discussion with BBC presenter Maryam Moshiri, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addressed a spectrum of issues, ranging from regional conflicts to internal political and economic challenges. Emphasising a peace-centric approach, PM Barzani denounced warfare, particularly in the context of the Middle East, advocating for the resolution of conflicts through diplomatic channels.

The Prime Minister also touched upon the strained relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, especially over oil exports. He underscored the importance of respecting the Kurdistan Region's constitutional rights in oil matters, highlighting discrepancies in production costs and the need for fair calculations by Baghdad relating to the financial entitlements of the region. This issue, deeply rooted in the interpretation of federal and regional powers, remains a pivotal point in Baghdad-Erbil relations.

Domestically, PM Barzani highlighted his government's efforts in diversifying the Kurdistan Region's economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil, citing significant investments in agriculture, tourism, and industry. This shift, crucial in the face of economic challenges posed by reduced oil prices and budget cuts from Baghdad, aims to create a more resilient and multifaceted economic structure.

The conversation also delved into digitalisation, particularly in banking and government services, aimed at fostering a transparent and efficient financial system. Tackling corruption is another key focus for PM Barzani’s administration, with an emphasis on systematising government functions to prevent misuse and malpractice.

Addressing environmental concerns, PM Barzani acknowledged the pressing issue of climate change, especially water scarcity, and outlined initiatives such as dam construction, afforestation, and gas capture from oil wells. He stressed the collective responsibility of the international community in mitigating the effects of climate change.

The empowerment of youth and women was another significant topic. PM Barzani detailed initiatives like the Kurdistan Region Innovation Institute and the promotion of women in various high profile posts in the public sector, including ministerial positions in the cabinet. He emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for the youth and women to foster a more inclusive and dynamic society. This approach aims to nurture a progressive environment where diverse talents contribute to the Kurdistan Region's growth and development.

In conclusion, PM Barzani's interview reflected a deep commitment to addressing both regional and internal challenges through a combination of strategic diplomacy, economic diversification, and social empowerment. His forward-looking policies, particularly in the realms of digitalisation, corruption control, and climate change, signal a concerted effort to steer the Kurdistan Region towards a sustainable and equitable future.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/november/krg-prime-minister-discusses-regional-issues-and-domestic-policies-in-special-panel/

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