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KRG Prime Minister receives the Iraqi Health Minister

On Monday, June 12, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government held a productive meeting with Iraqi Minister of Health, Saleh Mehdi Al-Hasnawi.

During their discussion, they focused on strengthening collaboration and coordination between the health ministries of the Kurdistan Region and the central government.

A key point of agreement was the need for both ministries to actively collaborate on comprehensive reform plans. These plans aim to improve the public health sector and enhance the quality of medical products.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/krg-prime-minister-receives-the-iraqi-health-minister/

The statement of the Kurdistan Region President on the approval of the Iraqi federal budget

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, June 13, 2023

We welcome the approval of the Iraqi three-year budget bill. We hope it will be a good roadmap for economic development, political stability, and we hope it will create an encouraging environment for investments. We congratulate all those who worked faithfully for the interests of all the citizens and for equality among the Iraqi people.

Unfortunately, during the parliamentary debates, some MPs acted wrongfully with regards to the rights and entitlements of the Kurdistan Region and the Disputed Territories. What occurred was not in line with the principles of the political agreement of the State Administration Coalition; and this direction and way of working does not serve the political process, the situation and the future of Iraq.

The budget law should be implemented fairly and take into account the status of the Kurdistan Region as a constitutional political entity and the Disputed Territories, and protect their rights and interests. There must be full assurance that the financial entitlements and wages of the Kurdistan Region employees will not be delayed or neglected for political reasons.

What we saw during the budget debate is deeply worrying and once again proved the fact that the division among the Kurdistani parties will harm the Kurdistan Region. However, with common political will and by prioritizing the public interest, we can use this as an opportunity to strengthen mutual trust, to organize our internal affairs, to ease tensions, to resolve differences and to further strengthen Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/statement-of-the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-on-the-approval-of-the-iraqi-federal-budget/

KRG Prime Minister receives Jordan’s Health Minister

On Monday, June 12, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government met with Firas Al-Hawari, the Jordanian Minister of Health.

During their discussions, Mr. Al-Hawari conveyed the gratitude of HM King Abdullah II of Jordan to Prime Minister Barzani, highlighting the country's commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani, acknowledging the longstanding ties between the Kurdistan Region and Jordan, expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Hashemite Kingdom, particularly in relation to HM King Abdullah II's assistance to the Kurdish people.

The discussions primarily focussed on enhancing cooperation in the healthcare sector, with the Kurdistan Region seeking to benefit from Jordan's successful experiences and expertise in the pharmaceutical industry.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/krg-prime-minister-receives-jordan-s-health-minister/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives Jordan’s Minister of Health

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, June 12, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received Jordanian Minister of Health, Mr. Firas Al-Hawari, and his accompanying delegation on Monday afternoon.

In the meeting, also attended by the Ministers of Health of the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Kurdistan-Jordan Health Week, which is currently being held in Erbil, was highlighted.

The President thanked the Jordanian Ministry of Health for its cooperation and coordination with the Ministries of Health of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq, and stressed that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq can benefit from Jordan’s positive experience and achievements in medicine and education.

The two sides also discussed the development of Jordan’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and their further cooperation in the fields of health and medicine.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-jordans-minister-of-health/

Prime Minister receives the US Ambassador to Iraq

On Thursday, June 8, 2023, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), met with Alina Romanowski, the United States Ambassador to Iraq, in the presence of Irvin Hicks, the United States Consul General in Erbil.

The discussions primarily focused on the importance of resolving pending issues and overcoming obstacles between the KRG and the Federal Government in Baghdad. Both parties emphasised the need to address these issues within the framework of the Iraqi constitution and in accordance with mutual agreements.

A key part of the discussion revolved around the Kurdistan Region's share of the federal budget. Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed his government's commitment to resolving all pending issues constitutionally with the central government in Baghdad, in order to safeguard the region's rights and financial entitlements. He emphasised that any infringement upon these rights would not be tolerated by the KRG.

Regarding internal affairs within the Kurdistan Region, both parties stressed the significance of expediting parliamentary elections in the region as soon as possible.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/prime-minister-receives-the-us-ambassador-to-iraq/

Prime Minister Barzani receives a Japanese delegation

On Tuesday, 6 June 2023, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), welcomed a delegation from the Japanese government consisting of Kansuke Nagaoka, Assistant Minister and Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
and Futoshi Matsumoto, the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq.

The Prime Minister expressed his delight at the delegation’s visit to the Kurdistan Region. He also spoke of his admiration for Japan's experience and expertise in various fields, its investment in human resources and the development of a generation that embraces creativity, innovation, and productivity. The Prime Minister considered Japan to be a role model to be acknowledged and emulated.

The Japanese delegation commended the progress achieved in construction and development within the Kurdistan Region in recent years. They reiterated that numerous opportunities exist for Japanese investment in the region.

The discussion also focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and Japan, with a particular emphasis on areas such as transportation, agriculture, education, and industry.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/prime-minister-barzani-receives-a-japanese-delegation/

Prime Minister Barzani receives Ambassador of Switzerland to Jordan and Iraq

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), received Emilija Georgieva, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Jordan and Iraq.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and Switzerland. He expressed admiration for Switzerland's successful experiences across various domains and highlighted the Kurdistan Region's aspiration to learn from them.

The Swiss Ambassador praised the notable progress achieved in construction and development within the Kurdistan Region, reaffirming her country's eagerness to further enhance bilateral relations, particularly in commerce and industry.

The two sides discussed relations between Erbil and Baghdad, underscoring the significance of upholding the agreement between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government and stressed the importance of respecting the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region. They also addressed the situation of internally displaced people and refugees, emphasising the need to establish suitable conditions for their voluntary repatriation to their places of origin.

Lastly, the meeting touched upon the detrimental effects of climate change and highlighted the importance of safeguarding water resources.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/prime-minister-barzani-receives-ambassador-of-switzerland-to-jordan-and-iraq/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives Chargé d’affaires of Azerbaijan

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, June 7, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Mr. Nasir Mammadov, the Chargé d’affaires at the Azerbaijan Embassy in Baghdad. The meeting discussed the bilateral relations of Azerbaijan with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and ways to develop their joint cooperation.

Both sides agreed that there are ample opportunities to develop their relations, especially in the fields of economy, trade and tourism. They also discussed the process of opening the Azerbaijani Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region that had been decided during the meeting between the President of the Kurdistan Region and the President of Azerbaijan in Munich last February.

The expected visit of the Kurdistan Region President to Baku at the official invitation of the President of Azerbaijan, the situation in the wider region and other issues of common interest were also highlighted at the meeting.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-charge-daffaires-of-azerbaijan/

Prime Minister Barzani receives Azerbaijan’s Charge d'affaires

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), received Nasir Mammadov, Charge d'affaires of the Azerbaijan Embassy in Iraq.

The meeting primarily aimed to strengthen the ties between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the conversation, Mr. Mammadov emphasised his country's commitment to enhancing relations with the Kurdistan region and revealed plans to establish a General Consulate of Azerbaijan in Erbil in the near future.

Prime Minister Barzani confirmed the Kurdistan region's eagerness to foster and expand relations between the two peoples.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/prime-minister-barzani-receives-azerbaijan-s-charge-daffaires/

Prime Minister receives the Ambassador of Sweden to Iraq

On Monday, June 5, 2023, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), welcomed Ms. Jessica Svärdström, the Ambassador of Sweden to Iraq, in a meeting that covered several topical issues.

The discussions focussed on the overall situation in Iraq, with an emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and Sweden. In particular, the Prime Minister stressed the significance of upholding the agreement between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government, which guarantees the Kurdistan Region's financial entitlements and constitutional rights.

The meeting also covered the internal affairs of the Kurdistan Region, particularly the upcoming parliamentary election. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of adhering to the scheduled timeline for the election.

The Swedish Ambassador commended the progress made in construction and development within the Kurdistan Region, particularly in its capital, Erbil, despite the numerous obstacles and challenges faced.

Furthermore, the two sides discussed the enhancement of women's rights in the Kurdistan Region, and policies enacted by the KRG to provide equal opportunities for women across all aspects of life.