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.

President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Mohammad Kazem Al Sadegh, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, and his accompanying delegation.

During their meeting, discussions were held on the development of Iranian relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the security agreement between Iraq and Iran, as well as Erbil-Baghdad relations and efforts to resolve their differences.

In his speech, the President noted the significance of maintaining good relations with Iran, an important neighbor of the Kurdistan Region. Furthermore, the President assured that they will not allow any security threat from the Kurdistan Region to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Ambassador Al Sadegh highlighted the importance of Iranian relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and thanked the President of the Kurdistan Region for his assistance in providing transportation for Iranian pilgrims during Ashura and Arba’in commemoration.