President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting today with Mr. Mark Stroh, the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, to address the current developments in the region, particularly the recent attacks on coalition forces. Both parties shared their perspectives on many issues, including security coordination between Erbil and Baghdad.

The President and the US Consul General expressed their shared concern regarding the potential escalation of tensions and its possible consequences across the Middle East. They underscored the significance of ensuring the continuous protection of coalition forces and diplomatic representatives in both the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq. Additionally, they reaffirmed the importance of cooperation and security coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga forces in order to maintain peace and stability.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-receives-the-american-consul/

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Iraqi National Project, Sheikh Jamal Al-Dhari, this afternoon. Their discussion focused on the current political and security situation in Iraq, as well as the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, emphasizing the importance of resolving any issues between the two sides. Additionally, they exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Sheikh Jamal Al-Dhari agreed on the significance of upholding peace and stability in Iraq and the wider region. They also expressed their shared commitment to preventing the escalation of tensions and emphasized the need for Iraq to refrain from involvement in any regional conflicts.

President Nechirvan Barzani had a meeting with Mr. Ahmed Amjad Ali, the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan to Iraq, to bid him farewell at the end of his term of office in Iraq.

The President expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Amjad Ali for his dedication and his efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The President also extended his best wishes to Mr. Amjad Ali for his future endeavors.

Ambassador Amjad Ali expressed his appreciation for the cooperation that he received from the relevant parties in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, which greatly contributed to the success of his work. He also expressed his hope for further progress in Pakistan’s relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Mr. Amjad Ali’s cordial meeting focused on acknowledging the achievements made during the latter’s tenure as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq. Both parties expressed their commitment to continuing to strengthen their nations’ bilateral relations.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-receives-the-pakistani-ambassador/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, November 1, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Alina L. Romanowski, earlier today in Erbil. The focus of the meeting was on enhancing Iraq’s and the Kurdistan Region’s relationship with the US, under the US-Iraq Strategic Agreement. Both parties emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration and the importance of ensuring the security of coalition forces and diplomatic representatives across Iraq.

Additionally the meeting, also attended by the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, addressed the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region and the latest developments in the wider Middle East.

At the official invitation of the French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President Nechirvan Barzani will visit Paris.

The meeting between President Nechirvan Barzani and President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to take place at the Élysée Palace on Friday.

The primary focus of their discussions will revolve around the bilateral relations between France and both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Additionally, the two leaders will explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation and delve into the prevailing situation in Iraq and the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-to-meet-with-president-emmanuel-macron-in-france/

President Nechirvan Barzani received the Austrian Foreign Minister Mr. Alexander Schallenberg and his accompanying delegation today.

The President and Foreign Minister Schallenberg discussed Austria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations and the illegal immigration to Europe.

The President referred to the long-standing relationship between the two countries and praised Austria’s support for the Kurdistan Region including the continued direct flights between Vienna and Erbil. He congratulated Foreign Minister Schallenberg for reopening the Austrian Embassy in Baghdad and called for the establishment of an Austrian representative office in the Kurdistan Region.

The Austrian Foreign Minister stated that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and plan to establish a representative in Kurdistan. Mr. Schallenberg also stated that the Austrian private sector wishes to make investments in the Kurdistan Region. The two sides affirmed that stable political and security environments are essential to attract foreign capital and to promote economic growth. The two also discussed the importance of comprehensive cooperation between European countries and other countries in the region in order to combat illegal immigration.

In regards to the differences between Erbil and Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that the issues must be resolved in accordance with the constitution, and that the federal system of government must be fully established in a constructive way based on mutual understanding in order to resolve and overcome the disagreements. In addition, the President emphasized the importance of good friendly relations with neighboring countries and the protection of mutual interests.

President Nechirvan Barzani received US Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Alina Romanowski and her accompanying delegation.

The US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the efforts to resolve the outstanding problems between Erbil and Baghdad- especially the issues of budget and salaries of the Kurdistan Region employees and the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region were highlighted during their meeting.

Both sides stressed the importance of a constructive dialogue between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach a common understanding aimed at resolving their differences in a way that ensures the constitutional rights of all sides, and maintains peace and political stability in the country.

President Nechirvan Barzani stressed the importance of implementing the federal system in Iraq as enshrined in the constitution, and pointed out that the Kurdistan Region must be treated as a federal region, and that the continuing disagreements between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government do not serve the interests of the country.

Both sides agreed on the importance of resolving the issues and providing the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region in accordance with the laws and agreements. They also stressed the solidarity and unity among the political parties in the Kurdistan Region, especially between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

The opportunities for foreign and domestic investments, strengthening the private sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation of the Yezidis and the importance of implementing the agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq on the status of Sinjar, were also highlighted at the meeting.