News

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with US Assistant Secretary of State

MUNICH, Germany, February 17, 2023

Continuing his meetings on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference in Germany today, President Nechirvan Barzani met with Ms. Celeste Wallander, the US Assistant Secretary of Defense for international security affairs.

During the meeting, the security situation in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the wider region were discussed and the latest developments in the war against terrorism was highlighted.

Ms. Wallander reaffirmed the continued US support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region within the framework of Strategic Dialogue, especially in the fight to eliminate the ISIS terror networks.

The President reiterated the appreciation of the Kurdistan Region for the US support in the fight against terrorism and valued the continued US support for the reform process withing the Peshmarga Ministry including the unification of the Peshmarga forces.

The latest developments in the wider region, collective efforts to ensure regional security and stability and other topics of mutual interest were also discussed.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-us-assistant-secretary-of-state-2/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Yezidi activist Ms. Nadiya Murad

MUNICH, Germany, February 17, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani met with Ms. Nadiya Murad, the Yezidi humanitarian and Nobel laureate in Germany today on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. The latest about the status of the Yezidis, the Shingal district and the continuing efforts to free abducted Yezidis were highlighted at the meeting.

The two sides also discussed the situation of the Yezidi refugees and reiterated the importance of the status of Shingal, its reconstruction, the safe return of the displaced, and the international assistance to the Yezidis and Shingal district.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-yezidi-activist-ms-nadiya-murad/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan

MUNICH, Germany, February 18, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani met with Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan Republic today on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference in Germany.

During their meeting, both sides expressed their mutual willingness to develop bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Azerbaijan Republic including partnerships in trade and commerce and also establishing official visits between the two sides.

In this context, President Aliyev announced his country’s plans to open a consulate general in Erbil and invited President Nechirvan Barzani to visit Baku.

Discussions also covered other issues of common interest including regional stability and security.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-president-ilham-aliyev-of-azerbaijan/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Vice President of European Commission

MUNICH, Germany, February 18, 2023

Continuing his meetings in Germany on the second day of Munich Security Conference, President Nechirvan Barzani met with Mr. Josep Borrel, the Vice President of European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The meeting discussed the latest political and security developments in Iraq, the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the war on terror, the relations of Iraq and Kurdistan Region with the EU member states and the opportunities to expand collective cooperation.

Mr. Borrel emphasized the continued support of the European Union for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the fight against terrorism, and in the process of building the state institutions, and expressed support for the ongoing talks between Erbil and Baghdad aimed at resolving their differences. Mr. Borrel stressed that the peace, stability and welfare of Iraq is of importance to the European Union.

For his part, President Nechirvan Barzani thanked the EU for its political, humanitarian and military support to Iraq and Kurdistan and reiterated the willingness of the Kurdistan Region to further expanding relations with the EU countries in all areas including security and economic partnerships.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-vice-president-of-european-commission/

President Nechirvan Barzani welcomes new Japanese Ambassador

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, February 15, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the incoming Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Futoshi Matsumoto.

The meeting focused on the relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Japan, and ways to further strengthen bilateral ties.

President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Ambassador Futoshi on assuming the office and expressed the Kurdistan Region’s appreciation for the works and projects of the Japanese agencies and organizations in the Kurdistan Region. The President noted that there is a favorable environment for Japanese investments in the country.

Ambassador Futoshi presented an overview of the activities of the Japanese private sector and companies in Kurdistan, reiterating his country’s willingness to develop relations and joint cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The Ambassador also expressed the readiness of his country to invest and expand their activities in Iraq and the Kurdistan.

The two leaders also discussed the political situation in Iraq, relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and the latest developments in the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-welcomes-new-japanese-ambassador/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives a Chinese delegation

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, February 13, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received a delegation from the People’s Republic of China headed by Mr. Zhu Rui, the Assistant Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China

At the meeting attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Baghdad and officials at the Consulate General of China in Erbil, China’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation in Iraq, the challenges facing the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and discussions to resolve their pending issues were highlighted.

It was emphasized that both sides attach great importance to the bilateral relations of China with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and expressed their readiness to expand cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade and culture. They also discussed the works and projects of Chinese companies in Iraq.

Regarding the issues between Erbil and Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani stressed that the implementation of the federal system in Iraq and the resolution of issues on the basis of the Constitution will lead to stability and further economic development. The President also reiterated that the Kurdistan Region looks forward to benefiting from the projects carried out by China in Iraq.

The two sides also discussed the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the neighboring and regional countries, the fight against terrorism and the latest developments in the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-a-chinese-delegation/

Prime Minister meets with Georgian counterpart in Dubai

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday met with his counterpart Irakli Garibashvili of Georgia on the sidelines of the 2023 World Countries Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In the meeting, the two discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties and increasing cooperation on issues that are significant for both sides.

Discussions also focused on opportunities for opening of Georgia’s consulate in the Kurdistan Region as well as operating direct flights between Tbilisi and Erbil.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/february/prime-minister-meets-with-georgian-counterpart-in-dubai/

President Nechirvan Barzani attends a reception honoring earthquake victims

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, February 12, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani visited the Consulate General of the Turkish Republic in Erbil today to pay his respects to the victims of the recent earthquake which devastated many cities and took the lives of thousands of people in ten governorates in Turkey and several cities in Syria.

President Nechirvan Barzani left a handwritten note in the Consulate’s condolence book, and on behalf of himself and the Kurdistan Region, the President extended his deep sympathies to the people, government and leadership of Turkey for the heartbreaking tragedy following the destructive earthquake.

The President reiterated that in the Kurdistan Region along with the rest of the world, our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Turkey and with the families and relatives of thousands of victims.

He also prayed that the Almighty God will bestow his mercy upon the victims and grant patience and comfort to their families, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

The President reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is ready to assist the victims and their families in all ways it is capable to.

For his part, Turkey’s Consul General expressed his country’s gratitude for the attendance and sympathies of President Nechirvan Barzani. The Council General also offered his appreciation to the people and government of the Kurdistan Region for standing with the people of Turkey and assisting the victims and their loved ones.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-attends-a-reception-honoring-earthquake-victims/

PM Masrour Barzani meets with Emirati counterpart

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday met with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Vice President, and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

In the meeting, attended by multiple Emirati officials, the two sides discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation for Emirates’ constant support for Kurdistan Region’s reformation plan, especially in the fields of trade and production.

For his part, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum welcomed the Kurdistan Region’s delegation and wished for the elevation of ties between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE in all fields.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/february/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-with-emirati-counterpart/

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to attend World Government Summit 2023

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and his delegation on Sunday headed to the United Arab Emirates to attend the World Government Summit in Dubai scheduled for 13-15 February.

On the sideline of the gathering, Prime Minister Barzani will meet with government officials as well as Arab, regional and global business and thought leaders.

The World Government Submit is an annual event held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The 2023 edition will bring together more than 20 presidents and prime ministers, 250 ministers, and thousands of government officials, thought leaders and global experts.

12 Feb 2023

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/february/prime-minister-masrour-barzani-to-attend-world-government-summit-2023/