News

PM Masrour Barzani meets new Hungarian Consul General

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday met Attila Toth, Hungary’s new Consul General to Erbil.

PM Barzani congratulated Toth on assuming office, wishing him luck.

The Consul General pledged Hungary places great value on coexistence in the Kurdistan Region and wants deeper ties, especially in trade and investment.

PM Masrour Barzani met the head of the EU Election Observation Mission

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday met Viola von Cramon, head of the European Union’s Election Observation Mission.

Prime Minister Barzani praised the EU role and hoped for a fraud and violence-free election, especially in disputed territories.

He also expressed KRG’s readiness to support and cooperate with the mission.

Viola von Cramon briefed Prime Minister Barzani that their role is to observe and not to interfere in the election process.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2021/september/pm-masrour-barzani-met-the-head-of-the-eu-election-observation-mission/

Kurdistan Region President meets with UK Secretary of Education

London, UK, September 16, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Mr. Nadim Zahawi, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Education, in London on Friday.

During the meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Mr. Zahawi on assuming the office and wished him success in his new mission as the new Secretary of Education in the UK.

The President stated: It’s an honor to see a Kurd hold an important ministerial position in Britain with great achievements in his political and administrative career.

The President underlined the importance of Kurdistan Region benefiting from the experiences and successes of the UK in education and school system, especially in vocational education which is highly important for the Kurdistan Region.

For his part, Mr. Zahawi expressed delight in meeting President Nechirvan Barzani who was heading the first official delegation from outside of the UK visiting the incoming Secretary of Education.

Mr. Zahawi reiterated the willingness of the United Kingdom to cooperate with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq in education and stated that the Kurdistan Region, as other countries in the Middle East, can benefit from their joint cooperation.

Discussions also focused on the developments in Iraq and the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/kurdistan-region-president-meets-with-uk-secretary-of-education/

PM Masrour Barzani meets with Iraqi President

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday met with Iraqi President Barham Salih.

During the meeting the latest developments in Iraq and the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad were discussed.

Both sides emphasized the importance of solving outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

The forthcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections and need for a fair and transparent voting system that takes into account the rights of the entire population were also discussed.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2021/september/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-with-iraqi-president/

President Nechirvan Barzani expresses gratitude to Sir John Major

London, UK, September 16, 2021

Continuing his official visit to the United Kingdom, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Sir John Major, former British Prime Minister, a renowned politician and a friend of the people of Kurdistan.

President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated the gratitude of the people of the Kurdistan Region to Sir John Major for his support and assistance to the people of Kurdistan during the difficult periods of the early 1990s. The President praised and highly valued the efforts of Sir John Major and other world leaders supporting the people of Kurdistan, which led to the Security Council resolution 688, the establishment of the no fly zone and the formation of a safe haven for the people of Kurdistan.

Referring to these events, President Nechirvan Barzani stated: “The people of Kurdistan will never forget your, Britain’s and other countries compassion and friendship and always value your continued support and assistance.

For his part, Sir John Major expressed his affinity for the people of Kurdistan and wished the Kurdistan Region success.

Discussions also focused on the security and political situation in Iraq, the wider region, as well as the developments in the Kurdistan Region, achievements and progress in the past 30 years.

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Prime Minister Boris Johnson

London, UK, September 16, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani was warmly received by Mr. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, at 10 Downing Street in London on Friday.

Prime Minister Johnson expressed his delight in receiving the President, thanked him for the visit and reiterated that the UK attaches importance to its relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Prime Minister said that the UK relations with the Kurdistan Region were formed 30 years ago with the establishment of the no fly zone. Mr. Johnson said these mutual relations will grow stronger and the UK is committed to continue strengthening bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Johnson reiterated that the relations are historic and need to be made stronger, especially the economic relations. The Prime Minister affirmed the willingness of the UK to expand trade and commerce and to increase visiting delegations to both countries. Mr. Johnson expressed willingness to visit Erbil again and said: I have great memories from the previous visit. The Prime Minister thanked the President for his role in resolving differences in Iraq and ensuring stability.

For his part, President Nechirvan Barzani referred to his visit to London and his meeting with Prime Minister Johnson as reassuring and important for expansion of relations, especially after the recent events in the region. The President expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the UK government and the allies for their political, military and humanitarian support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The President stressed that the Kurdistan Region is willing to expand all areas of mutual cooperation with the United Kingdom, especially in trade and investments.

Regarding Erbil-Baghdad relations and their pending differences, the President affirmed that talks are ongoing in a positive atmosphere with the Iraqi federal government. The President reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is willing to resolve all disputes based on the constitution.

Discussions also covered COVID-19 pandemic, terror threats and the dangers of ISIS resurgence, which continues to pose a considerable threat.

Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s relations with the neighboring and regional countries, the status of the refugees and the displaced people in the Kurdistan Region, developments in Afghanistan and other topics of mutual interest were highlighted.

Kurdistan Region President meets with UK Foreign Secretary

London, UK, September 16, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Ms. Liz Truss, the United Kingdom’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in London on Thursday.

The President congratulated Ms. Truss on assuming the office and wished her success in her new mission as Britain’s new Foreign Secretary.

The President reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to strengthen and expand cooperation and partnership with the UK.

Foreign Secretary Truss expressed her delight in receiving President Nechirvan Barzani in London and underlined that the UK is committed to continue supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and working with allies and partners in the international coalition against ISIS. Ms. Truss looked forward to expanding UK partnership and cooperation in all areas with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani offered his appreciation to the United Kingdom for supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the war against ISIS, and for providing humanitarian aid to refugees and the displaced people. The President also presented a brief note on the steps taken to unify the Peshmarga forces with the support from the UK and other countries.

Discussions also covered the threats of ISIS and the reasons behind its resurgence, the upcoming elections and the prospect for political process in the country, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the status of the refugees and the displaced people, the latest developments in the wider region and other topics of mutual interest. Both sides agreed that stability in Iraq is important to the wider region and the world.

PM Masrour Barzani meets with new British Consul General to Erbil

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday met with David Hunt, the new British Consul General to Erbil, to welcome him into his new role.

The Prime Minister emphasised the UK and the Kurdistan Region share many interests, including regional peace and stability and greater economic development across the country.

Both sides agreed to explore ways to work closer together and elevate bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Barzani also welcomed opportunities for the UK to assist with the ninth cabinet’s ambitious reform agenda, notably within the Peshmerga ministry.

They also discussed relations between Erbil and Baghdad and the upcoming Iraqi elections.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2021/september/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-with-new-british-consul-general-to-erbil/

United Kingdom reiterates support for Kurdistan Region

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 12, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. David Hunt, the incoming Consul General of the United Kingdom in Erbil, on Sunday.

President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Mr. Hunt on assuming the office, wished him success and offered his full support to the mission of the new Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.

Strengthening bilateral relations and expanding areas of mutual cooperation and partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom were underlined.

The Consul General shed light on his comprehensive working plan to strengthen ties between the UK and the Kurdistan Region and reaffirmed his country’s continuing commitment to support the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and stability in the country. Mr. Hunt commended the cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Region Ministry of Peshmarga and the UK Ministry of Defense.

Discussions also focused on ways to expand economic relations in all areas, and supporting the private sector and investment opportunities. The situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the latest regional developments and other topics of mutual interest were highlighted.

PM Masrour Barzani meets with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday met with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to discuss regional developments and the EU’s support to the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for the EU’s efforts to bring stability to Iraq and underscored the important role international monitoring teams will play in the upcoming Iraqi elections in supporting a safe and transparent voting process.

Both sides agreed that the Kurdistan Region continues to serve as a driver of peace and stability in the Middle East, which the Prime Minister believes should be supported through the full implementation of the Iraqi Constitution and the respect of the principles of equality and cooperation as the foundation for Iraq’s governance structure.

Prime Minister Barzani also emphasised the Kurdistan Regional Government’s readiness to strengthen ties with the EU beyond its support in the war against terrorism and explore ways to deepen cooperation on reforms, Erbil-Baghdad relations, and the safe return of refugees and IDPs to their homes.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2021/september/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-with-the-eu-s-high-representative-for-foreign-affairs-and-security-policy/