Presient Masoud Barzani welcomed the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the President of the World Bank, Mr. Jim Yong Kim, and President of the Islamic Development Bank. Mr Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al-Madani,  in Erbil today to discuss the latest developments concerning the ongoing efforts to defeat ISIS terrorists, the humanitarian situation of IDPs and Syrian refugees in Kurdistan, and the financial challenges faced by the KRG. 

The two sides also spoke of the Kurdistan Region's management of the affairs of the refugees from Syria and the IDPs from other parts of Iraq who have found in the Kurdistan region a safe haven. The Secretary General expressed his appreciation for the role of the Kurdistan Region for providing the necessary support and protection of the IDPs amd refugees.  He also lauded the bravery and sacrifices of the peshmerga forces in taking the fight to ISIS terrorists, and the leadership of President Barzani. 

Mr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank, highlighted the steps taken by the World Bank to help the KRG and expressed his approval for the reform plans announced by the KRG to ease the financial crisis.

Kurdistan Region Presidency strongly condemns the cowardly, terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium today. In a statement, the Presidency expressed its condolences to the victims, the Belgium people and government. It added that terrorism is a global threat and confronting it needs collective action by the international community.

Salahadin, Erbil, (Krp.org)- President Masoud Barzani welcomed Mr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany. Mr. Steinmeier was accompanied by a delegation of the Ministry as well as German diplomats from Baghdad and Erbil. President Barzani welcomed the minister by a high Kurdistan Region delegation which included Mr. Masrour Barzani, the Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council.

The meeting was initiated by Mr. Steinmeier offering his congratulations to President Barzani and the Peshmerga forces for the Sinjar operation last month which resulted in the liberation of the town of Sinajr from the control of the terrorists of the Islamic State. Mr. Steinmeier also spoke of Germany's military support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and stated that that support will continue.

President Barzani and Mr. Steinmeier spoke of other military operations in Iraq and in Kurdistan against the terrorists of the Islamic State. The President stated that the operations will continue and took advantage of the opportunity to express his gratitude to the allies for their support to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

President Barzani and Mr. Steinmeier discussed the political and economic situation in the Kurdistan Region and the relations between Baghdad and Erbil. 

The two held a press conference after their meeting with the presence of local, national and international media outlets.

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, (Krp.org)- President Masoud Barzani received a high-level diplomatic and military delegation from the United States. The delegation was headed by General Lloyd Austin, the Commander of the Central Command and included a number of State and Defense departments officials. The meeting was also attended by the Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council, Mr. Masrour Barzani.

President Barzani and General Austin discussed the military operations against the terrorists of IS, especially the Sinjar operation of last month which was concluded with the liberation of the town for which General Austin offered his congratulations. They also spoke of the advanced in other parts of Kurdistan and Iraq.

President Barzani stated that the role of the air support by the U.S.-led coalition continues to make a tremendous amount of difference in fighting the terrorists of the IS and expressed his appreciation for that support.

General Austin and President Barzani also discussed the relations between Baghdad and Erbil and the what's needed for closer coordination for the future plans against the terrorists.

Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani today met with US Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL Ambassador Brett McGurk and US Ambassador to Iraq Stuart Jones, to discuss the progress of the fight against ISIS terrorists and challenges facing the KRG.

The President and the US officials lauded the strong partnership between the peshmerga forces and the US military, especially in light of the recent successful operation by joint special forces that led to the rescuing of 69 hostages from ISIS in the town of Hawija, south of Kirkuk. 

Ambassador McGurk described this successful operation as yet another indication of the strong relationship between the peshmerga forces and the US forces, and commended the leadership role of President Barzani. He added that the US would continue to offer support to the peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS.
President Barzani thanked the United States for its steadfast support to Kurdistan and to the peshmerga forces. 

President Barzani and the visiting US officials also discussed preparations for the liberation of Mosul from ISIS and political and security developments in the country.

In a statement issued by the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the terrorist attacks in Ankara, Turkey at a peace rally of the People's Democratic Party, HDP was strongly condemned. The statement wished for speedy recovery for the wounded and expressed, on behalf of the people of the Kurdistan Region, heartfelt condolences for the families and loved ones of those who were killed in the attack. The statement also made reference to how terrorism indiscriminately targets all people, therefore, all efforts should go towards the complete extermination of the threat.

We strongly condemn the terrorist attack, occured today in the Turkish capital, Ankara, which targeted a gathering held by several organizations, killing and injuring a large number of civilians who were preparing for a peaceful rally.

We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of the Republic of Turkey, and wish prompt recovery for the injured.

While the rise in terrorist attacks indicates the development of terrorist activities to comprise larger areas in the region, it is also the evidence that the regional countries and the international community in general need to work together and increase their cooperation to fight terrorism and eradicate it.

We hope that the perpetrators of this terrorist attack will be captured and brought to justice. 

We also hope that this crime will not lead to tensions and problems to affect the democratic process and the forthcoming general elections in Turkey.

Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers
10 October 2015

Kurdistan Region Presidency issued the following statement:

In the campaign against ISIS terrorists, the Kurdistan Peshmerga have been a main force in the fight against this organization on the ground, and they have been able to secure major victories against them. In this campaign, the Kurdistan Region is a key partner in the US-led international coalition in Iraq.

The Kurdistan Region is grateful to any country or side that is prepared to assist the Peshmerga in the fight against ISIS, and it would welcome Russian assistance. Global efforts to defeat ISIS terrorists would be more effective if there is cooperation and coordination between the US-led international coalition and Russia.