News

PM Masrour Barzani meets Iraqi counterpart

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received today his Iraqi counterpart, Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Both discussed the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad and stressed the crucial importance of continuing constructive dialogue to resolve the issues.

Prime Minister Barzani conveyed his concerns regarding the Kurdistan Region’s constitutionally guaranteed share of the Federal budget having been withheld in recent times.

Both sides also emphasized the centrality of ensuring the rights of all constituents within Iraq.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/october/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-iraqi-counterpart/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, October 3, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Mr. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the Prime Minister of Iraq.

The meeting discussed the latest political developments in the country and the efforts of the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Region to bring the political parties closer together and to protect peace and stability at home. Both sides agreed that dialogue is the only way to reach a solution to the existing problems.

The President and the Prime Minister emphasized that it is a collective duty to protect the lives of the citizens and demonstrators in all of Iraq, as well as to protect public and private properties. They also highlighted that all sides must support the security forces to carry out their mission of protecting the country’s security and stability.

Discussions also covered the latest security developments and the recent targeting of several areas in the Kurdistan Region. Both sides reiterated that Iraqi sovereignty must be respected, and reiterated that Iraq must not become a battleground to settle regional disputes. They also stressed that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are committed to friendly relations with neighboring countries and that Iraqi soil must not be a source of threat to these countries.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-iraqs-prime-minister-mustafa-al-kadhimi/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives the Ambassador of Qatar

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 13, 2022
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President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the Ambassador of Qatar to Iraq, Mr. Khalid bin Hamad Al Sulaiti.

Discussions covered the bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Qatar, the political situation in Iraq and the latest developments in the country. The meeting also discussed the efforts to open the Consulate General of Qatar in Erbil in the future, investment opportunities for Qatari businesses in the Kurdistan Region, and the preparations by Qatar to host the World Cup 2022.

Both sides stressed the willingness of Qatar and Kurdistan to further promote relations and joint cooperation between them and to provide the conditions for Qatari investments in various sectors in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq; they also discussed the importance of direct Qatar airways flights to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Discussions also covered the importance of Iraq’s political stability for the region, the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with neighboring and regional countries, and other issues of mutual interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-the-ambassador-of-qatar/

President Nechirvan Barzani offers condolences to the United Kingdom

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 11,2022
President Nechirvan Barzani visited the Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Erbil this morning, to pay his respects following HM Queen Elizabeth’s death. The President left the first handwritten note in the Consulate’s condolence book.

In his note, the President expressed his condolences to HM King Charles III, the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations, and offered his sympathies.

The President also referred to the respected position of HM Queen Elizabeth II who was revered and admired around the world. The President stressed that he and the people of the Kurdistan Region stand with His Majesty the King and the royal family in this difficult time.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-offers-condolences-to-the-united-kingdom/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives the Ambassador of China

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 28, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the incoming Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iraq, Mr. Cui Wei and his accompanying delegation.

At the meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the new Ambassador of China to Iraq, congratulated him on assuming the office and wished him success. The President also reiterated the support of the Kurdistan Region for Ambassador Cui Wei and reaffirmed the willingness to develop bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and China in all areas. The President also thanked China for its continuous support to the medical Institutions of the Kurdistan Region during COVID-19 outbreak.

For his part, the incoming Ambassador of China to Iraq commended the progresses made in the Kurdistan Region and valued the sacrifices of the Peshmarga forces in the war against ISIS. Ambassador Cui expressed his country’s desire to develop bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, noting that Iraq is an important trade partner of China, and hoping to increase the level of export and import with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Discussions also covered the work and services of the Chinese Embassy in Baghdad and their Consulate in Erbil; the political developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and other topics of mutual interest were highlighted.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-the-ambassador-of-china/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives the outgoing Consul General of Germany

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 7, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Germany’s outgoing Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Klemens Semtner.

The President thanked Consul General Semtner for his efforts to promote his country’s relations with the Kurdistan Region and wished him success in his upcoming assignment.

For his part, the German Consul General referred to his term in office in the Kurdistan Region and thanked the relevant parties for their cooperation and support during his tenure, commending the efforts of President Nechirvan Barzani to bring about unity among political factions.

Discussions also focused on the bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Germany, the Iraqi political process, the situation in Sinjar and other issues of mutual interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-the-outgoing-consul-general-of-germany/

Statement by PM Masrour Barzani on the Anniversary of the Barzani Genocide

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued the following statement on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Barzani Genocide:

“Today we commemorate one of the greatest and most unforgettable crimes of the former Iraqi regime: the massacre and genocide of nearly 8,000 innocent Barzani civilians. The commemoration of the victims of this atrocity is especially sad this year as it coincides with the return of the remains of 100 more Barzani Anfal victims from the deserts of southern Iraq to the Kurdistan Region and their homeland in Barzan.

“The Barzan region has been the center of Kurdishness, revolution and uprising against oppression and occupation for more than a century. It has been a refuge of tolerance and peace for all who have turned to it in the face of injustice and oppression. Consequently, this region, like all other regions of Kurdistan, has consistently faced military attacks, destruction, bombings and the use of prohibited weapons.

“The genocide of the Barzanis is part of a series of crimes against the Barzan area and all other areas of the Kurdistan Region, which marked the beginning of the Anfal genocide and chemical attacks on the Kurdistan Region.

“On the anniversary of this massacre, we commemorate the martyrs of the Barzanis and all the martyrs of the Kurdistan Region. The commemoration of the Barzani Genocide is also the commemoration of all the Anfal victims and martyrs of the Kurdistan Region in Garmian, Badinan, Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, Failis and Sinjar.

“We should also remember with appreciation the sacrifices and perseverance of the kind mothers and relatives of the victims, who proudly and stoically faced the hardships of life and the consequences of this atrocity. We also thank the people of Erbil and other parts of Kurdistan Region for their courage, assistance and solidarity with the families of the Anfal victims.

“On this occasion, we once again demand compensation to the families of the victims of genocide and Anfal from the Iraqi Federal Government, as stipulated in the Constitution, which, unfortunately, for many years, like many other articles, has been neglected and should no longer be ignored.

“The Kurdish people must always remember these crimes committed against them and must never sacrifice the freedom and self-governance of the Kurdish people under any pretext or for any purpose.

“On the anniversary of the Barzani Genocide, we pay our respects to the souls of all the martyrs and Anfal victims of Kurdistan Region.

“We will always remember them with dignity.”

Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region

31 Jul 2022

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/july/statement-by-pm-masrour-barzani-on-the-anniversary-of-the-barzani-genocide/

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD)- Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met today, Prime Minister of the Iraqi Federal Government Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Baghdad.

During the meeting, they discussed all national affairs and issues that concern the lives of Iraqi citizens and the provision of services and ways to continue joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that achieves food security for all Iraqis and ensures a decent life for them.

The two sides expressed their strong condemnation of the Turkish aggressions on Iraqi territory, especially the recent attack that claimed the lives of many innocent citizens. They also stressed the importance of a unified vision to deal with the attack, and investigate its circumstances, in a way that fortifies Iraq's sovereignty and prevents violating it in the future.

Security coordination between the federal security forces and the forces of the Kurdistan region of Iraq was also discussed, as well as the importance of continuing to confront the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and ensuring that they do not threaten the security of Iraqis again.

The two sides also discussed ways to tackle the effects of the economic challenges suffered by the world and the region and the importance of creating the appropriate atmosphere for economic development. Accordingly, they emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government to attract investments and maximize revenues.

In this context, it was agreed to increase dialogue between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to address the outstanding issues and continue working to reach common solutions, and achieve a state of integration in the management of the oil resources, in a manner that serves s the interest of the Iraqi people.

The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of working as one team and focusing on common interests in a way that achieves security, stability, and prosperity for all Iraqi people.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/july/prime-minister-masrour-barzani-meets-with-prime-minister-mustafa-al-kadhimi/

PM Masrour Barzani meets Kuwaiti Consul General in Erbil

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday met with the Consul General of Kuwait in Erbil, Dr. Omar Al-Kanderi.

Prime Minister Barzani offered his thanks to the Kuwaiti Consul General for his efforts in developing bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Kuwait, and wished him success in his future endeavors.

In response, the Consul General thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for their continuous cooperation and coordination with the Consulate General of Kuwait.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/july/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-kuwaiti-consul-general-in-erbil/

PM Masrour Barzani meets German parliamentary delegation

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday met with a German parliamentary delegation led by MPs Max Lucks and Kassem Taher Saleh.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Germany's consistent support and conveyed the Region's desire for stronger bilateral ties and cooperation.

The German delegation strongly condemned Wednesday's terrorist attack on Erbil and expressed Germany’s support for the continued stability of the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides also discussed the KRG’s reform program, German investment opportunities, and the need to resolve outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.