ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Tobias Lindener, Minister of State at the German Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

The German Minister briefed the delegation on the purpose of his visit to the Kurdistan Region, pointing to the strong ties between the Kurdistan Region and Germany and expressed his country's desire to develop relations with the Kurdistan Region in all fields. He also said that a high-level delegation of German investors, employers and businessmen is scheduled to visit the Kurdistan Region in the near future in order to promote bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister thanked Germany for its continuous support to the Kurdistan Region, especially in the fight against terrorism and within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS. He also appreciated for supporting the reforms of the ninth cabinet, especially in the field of digitalization of public services.

The main topic of the meeting was focused on the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government. In this regard, the Prime Minister reiterated the Kurdistan Region's desire to resolve the issues in a fundamental manner and on the basis of the constitution, and pointed out that the latest decision of the Federal Supreme Court to prevent the remittance of part of the financial entitlements is another unjust attempt by this court to undermine the new opportunity to resolve the issues and the positive atmosphere created during the last visit of the high-level government delegation to Baghdad.

Another topic of the meeting about the importance of implementing the Sinjar agreement, the withdrawal of militias and illegal armed forces, the normalization of the situation in the region and the return of refugees to their places.

January 26, 2023

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/january/prime-minister-barzani-receives-germanys-top-official/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 25, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received Dr. Tobias Lindner, the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, and a high level delegation accompanying him.

At the meeting, Dr. Lindner reiterated that Germany attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and looks forward to developing its relations with Baghdad and Erbil in all areas, especially in commerce and trade. Minister Lindner also mentioned the recent visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to Germany.

The two sides also stressed the importance of political stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for progress in all areas.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region’s gratitude to Germany for its assistance to Kurdistan and Iraq in the fight against terrorism and ISIS, as well as for recognizing the massacre of the Yezidis as genocide in the German Parliament. Both sides agreed that ISIS is still a real danger and poses a serious threat to the security of Iraq and the wider region, hence Iraq and the Kurdistan Region still need the continuing mission of the international coalition against ISIS.

The two sides also discussed the situation in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq’s relations with neighboring and regional countries and the region, and other issues of common interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-a-high-level-delegation-from-germany/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 24, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received the Iraqi national football team in Erbil this evening.

In a meeting attended by the Minister of Culture and Youth of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Governors of Erbil and Basra, the President of the Iraqi Football Union and a number of officials, President Nechirvan Barzani once again congratulated the Iraqi football team on winning the Gulf Cup held in Basra last week.

The President welcomed the Iraqi national team to the Kurdistan Region and said that the victory of the Iraqi team in the Gulf Cup is a victory for the entire country and celebrated by everyone across Iraq; and on this occasion, people in all cities of the Kurdistan Region expressed their joy.

President Nechirvan Barzani also stressed that this victory was important for Iraq and Iraqis, because it brought together all Iraqis around the victory, and conveyed a message to the world that Iraq has returned and stood up. The President wished continued success for the Iraqi national team and thanked the Governor of Basra, the organizers, security forces and everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament.

For their part, the President of the Iraqi Football Union, the Governor of Basra, the head coaches, players and members of the national team thanked President Nechirvan Barzani for attending the last match of the tournament and also for his support of the Iraqi national football team, expressing their delight over visiting the Kurdistan Region and meeting with the President.