Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, welcomed the new Head of the Dutch Embassy Liaison Office in Erbil and expressed his government’s gratitude for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and non-lethal military equipment by the Netherlands.

Minister Mustafa congratulated Mr John van der Zande, the new Head of the Liaison Office, on assuming the post, assuring him of the KRG’s continued support for the Dutch mission in Kurdistan.

Mr van der Zande discussed the two shipments of humanitarian assistance already delivered to Erbil by the Netherlands. He also informed Minister Mustafa that the Dutch government has decided to provide non-lethal military equipment to KRG’s Peshmerga forces, beginning with one thousand combat helmets and one thousand bulletproof vests.

Minister Mustafa expressed his government’s appreciation and gratitude regarding these measures. He highlighted the importance of receiving continued support from the international community, emphasising the KRG’s commitment to combat the terrorists.

Both sides also discussed the well-established bilateral relationship between Kurdistan and the Netherlands, exchanging ideas on areas for further cooperation in economic, cultural, and political fields.

The Minister noted his government’s appreciation of the efforts and services of Mr Peter van Leeuwen, Mr van der Zande’s predecessor. Ms Siham Jabali, Assistant Head of the KRG Foreign Relations Department, also attended the meeting.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.KRG.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, yesterday received a farewell visit from the French Ambassador to Iraq, Mr Denis Gauer.

Minister Mustafa briefed the Ambassador on the current security and humanitarian situation on the ground.

Minister Mustafa expressed appreciation for France’s extraordinary support to the people of Kurdistan over the last two weeks. He said, “France has been extremely supportive since the beginning of this crisis, and the people and the government of Kurdistan Region are fully aware and very appreciative of the French Government’s actions.” He added, “The visit of the French Foreign Minister to Kurdistan conveyed a key message to the international community and encouraged other countries to come forward and provide assistance.”

Minister Mustafa highlighted the magnitude of the humanitarian situation in Kurdistan and restated his government’s call for urgently needed humanitarian assistance in order to address the crisis.

Ambassador Gauer reiterated that the government of France would continue to provide humanitarian and military assistance to the Kurdistan Region. The Ambassador stated, “We understand the security and humanitarian challenges facing the Kurdistan Region. We are fully committed to supporting the Kurdistan Region. We are also trying to mobilize members of the United Nations Security Council and the European Union to provide further support to the Kurdistan Region.”

Minister Mustafa thanked the Ambassador for his service and continued support for Kurdistan and wished him success in his future postings.

The French Consul General, Mr Alain Guépratte, and the Assistant Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Ms Siham Jabali, also attended the meeting.

Erbil, Kurdistan (DFR.KRG.org) – Bruno Saccomani, Canada’s Ambassador to Iraq, visited the KRG Department of Foreign Relations today to express Canada’s support for the Kurdistan Region and to discuss ways of providing assistance.

Minister Falah Mustafa thanked the ambassador for visiting and supporting the Kurdistan Region at this important time. He briefed Ambassador Saccomani about the latest security and humanitarian developments and reiterated the KRG’s call for international support.

Ambassador Saccomani praised Kurdish Peshmerga forces, stating, “We thank Kurdistan for fighting the ISIS militants on behalf of the world.” He commended the humanitarian assistance provided to the refugees and internally displaced people by the Kurdistan Regional Government and the people of Kurdistan Region. He said, “Thank you for being such a great example to the rest of the world. Your compassion and generosity is very much admirable.”

The ambassador emphasized the importance of preserving the safety and stability of the Kurdistan Region, as it has become a safe haven for hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs. “During times of chaos, people run to safety. Because of the KRG and Peshmerga forces, people are running to the Kurdistan Region for safety now,” said the ambassador.

Ambassador Saccomani stated that ISIS is an international threat; therefore, the international community has a moral responsibility to come forward and actively support the Kurdistan Region in terms of humanitarian and military support. He expressed Canada’s full support for the American air strikes against ISIS positions. The ambassador stated that the government of Canada hears the KRG loud and clear and that it will very soon provide logistical military support as well as humanitarian assistance to the refugees and IDPs. The Ambassador spoke of providing urgent medical support for the thousands of Yezidis who were stranded on Mount Sinjar for several days and have taken shelter in the province of Duhok.

Minister Mustafa thanked the Ambassador for Canada’s support and reiterated the determination of the Kurdish leadership and Kurdish Peshmerga forces to continue to fight ISIS terrorists.

Michael Calan, Director General of the Middle East Division at the Canadian Department of International Development and Karwan Jamal, Deputy Head of the DFR, also attended the meeting.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, today welcomed Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Lapo Pistelli and his delegation to discuss the latest security, humanitarian, and political developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Minister Mustafa thanked the Deputy Minister for his visit and the attention that the government of Italy has paid to the recent developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The Minister highlighted the latest developments and expressed the KRG’s disappointment in the lack of humanitarian and military support offered by the international community. He said, “We expected more than expressions of gratitude and appreciation. The international community is turning a blind eye to the urgent security and humanitarian challenges facing the people of Kurdistan.” 

He spoke of the security threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), stating, “Kurdish Peshmerga forces are facing a terrorist organization with members across the globe. This is a serious situation. Peshmerga forces are left alone and are fighting on behalf of the entire international community. ISIS poses a global threat; therefore, the international community has a moral responsibility to actively support the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in fighting ISIS militants.” 

Deputy Foreign Minister Pistelli praised the role of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the KRG in response to recent security and humanitarian developments. He also condemned in strongest terms the violence perpetrated against Christians and Yezidis, lamenting the plight of these communities. He said, “The world is fully aware of the humanitarian assistance provided by the KRG to the refugees and IDPs, and the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are doing an excellent job.”

In response to the KRG’s call for urgent humanitarian and military assistance, the Deputy Minister stated, “I will convey the message of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the government of Italy and the European Union. We understand the situation in the Kurdistan Region. You are shouldering a heavy burden on behalf of the international community, and you can not be left alone.”

Minister Mustafa reiterated the determination of the Kurdish leadership and Kurdish Peshmerga forces to continue to fight ISIS terrorists.

Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq, Massimo Moratti, and the Head of the Foreign Ministry’s Iraq Desk, Alessandro Motti, also attended the meeting. Deputy Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Karwan Jamal, and KRG Representative to Italy Rezan Kadir participated as well.

 Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – A European Union Delegation led by the Ambassador of the EU to Iraq, Jana Hybaskova, and ambassadors of a number of EU countries visited Kurdistan to hold meetings with the President, the Prime Minister, and other officials, and to attend a Europe Day celebration hosted by the KRG. The delegation discussed a number of strategic issues related to Iraq and Kurdistan, as well as the possibility of opening a permanent European Union representation office in Erbil. The aim of the visit was for the delegation to gain an opportunity to better understand the situation and to gain firsthand information on Kurdistan.

Meeting with the President

Ambassador Hybaskova congratulated President Barzani for the successful parliamentary and provincial elections that were conducted last month and said that this meeting is a reaffirmation of the strategic relationship between the EU and Iraq.  She said, "The elections were truly competitive and democratic, and serve as a very good example for the Middle East,” adding that the EU wants to see a government that is inclusive and that represents all the people of Iraq. President Barzani discussed with members of the delegation prospects for the political process in Iraq and the future direction of the country. President Barzani thanked the EU delegation for the visit and for the endorsement of the electoral process. He said the EU can play an important role in strengthening the democratic process in the country.

“Your positive assessment of our elections gives us strength to continue along this path. Your support will help us address our shortcomings." He added, "The EU can play an important role in Iraq, based on the promotion of democracy, adherence to the Constitution, and genuine power-sharing in the country. I believe this election is the last opportunity for genuine power-sharing and the possibility of stability. If genuine partnership is not implemented in the new government, our people will go for a referendum on a confederation in Iraq.”

EU ambassadors and representatives also raised questions with President Barzani, including some relating to the recent elections, efforts to finalize Kurdistan's regional government, and the situation of Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. On behalf of the EU, Ms. Jana Hybaskova thanked the KRG for its support to the more than 240,000 Syrian refugees currently living in Kurdistan and acknowledged that this has created great strain on the KRG resources. For his part, President Barzani said that the KRG would continue to do what it can to support the Syrian refugees.

Meeting with the Prime Minister

The delegation also met with the KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani. The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and began by expressing his support for a permanent EU representation in Kurdistan to help strengthen relations between Kurdistan and the EU. The meeting was attended by the KRG Deputy Prime Minister Imad Ahmed, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa and the Head of the KRG Department of Follow-Up and Coordination, Minister Qubad Talabani.

The visiting delegation explained that the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union will hold a meeting before the end of June to decide on the structure of the future relationship with Iraq. Ambassador Hybaskova highlighted the importance of this visit, as the findings would be sent to the capitals of the 28 EU member states. She added that this visit was evidence of the EU's commitment to Kurdistan and its support for the fundamental principles of democracy, constitutional law, and human rights.

The Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the current disputes with Baghdad, highlighting the problems related to this year’s budget as well as Baghdad's unexpected and unlawful decision to cut the disbursement of salaries of the KRG employees. Regarding the formation of the next government in Baghdad, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of genuine partnership and power sharing.

Prime Minister Barzani also noted the importance of unity and a common vision among the political parties of Kurdistan. Despite healthy and democratic differences of opinions that exist between Kurdish political parties internally, the Prime Minister stated that this will not have any effect on the Region's relations with Baghdad, as all Kurdish political parties are united on issues pertaining to the Kurdish people. He added, "With these elections, we see the last opportunity to correct the ways in which Iraq is governed."

Meeting with the Department of Foreign Relations

Prior to participating in the Europe Day reception hosted by the KRG, the EU delegation met separately with the Head of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa. In this meeting, the visiting Ambassador assured Minister Mustafa that the EU is now working on the establishment of a permanent representation in Kurdistan.  She explained that with several EU member states having established diplomatic representation in Erbil, an EU representation office in Erbil is essential to furthering KRG relations with the European community.

She also reaffirmed the continuous technical and humanitarian assistance of the EU and member states through ECHO, the humanitarian aid and civil protection department of the European Commission, and other NGO’s in support of the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan. The EU has embarked on a long-term plan to assist these refugees and IDPs.

Minister Mustafa was pleased by the efforts of the EU in assisting refugees with basic needs, as the crisis has taken a toll on the KRG. In this regard, the Minister requested that the international community jointly finds a solution to the conflict in Syria. He then held an interactive question and answer session with the various diplomats to address in detail a wide array of issues related to Kurdistan and Iraq.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq – (KRG.org) – The Head of the Department of Foreign Relations (DFR), Minister Falah Mustafa met today with the Slovakian Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Miloslav Nad to discuss furthering bilateral relations between the Slovak Republic and Kurdistan.

The meeting was also attended by the Assistant Head of the DFR, Ms. Siham Jabali and the Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Ahmed Gerdi.

Ambassador Nad was pleased to be in Kurdistan and commended the KRG on its efforts in developing the region, and added his country’s desire to bolster bilateral relations across many sectors.

He spoke about Slovakian efforts to grant visas to the people of Kurdistan through the office of a partner country in Erbil by the end of this year. In addition, he informed the Minister of his government’s willingness to upgrade their diplomatic representation in Kurdistan in the near future.

Minister Mustafa welcomed the Ambassador’s visit and reiterated the KRG’s willingness to consolidate its relations with Central and Eastern Europe and stated “we can learn and benefit from the expertise of countries such as Slovakia in various fields.”

The Minister went on to brief the delegation on the developments between Erbil and Baghdad, highlighting that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq and the provincial elections in Kurdistan, scheduled to take place in less than two weeks, which would define the future political landscape of the country. He added that the KRG is committed to the Iraqi Constitution, a democratic system and genuine partnership.

Finally, both sides discussed the upcoming Global Security Forum (GLOBSEC 2014) scheduled for May in Bratislava, to which Minister Mustafa has been invited. Minister Mustafa’s attendance will help boost KRG’s engagement with Central and Eastern Europe - consolidating relations with the EU member states goes in line with the KRG's open door policy.
 

London, UK (UK.KRG.org) - The Kurdistan Region is open for business and British companies are welcomed, Kurdish officials told members of British Expertise, a leading trade association at a seminar last week.

Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's Department of Foreign Relations, and Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the KRG's High Representative to the UK, were joined by Alex Lambeth, Director of British Expertise, in highlighting the business opportunities and investor-friendly laws in the region.

The seminar was part of a series of meetings by Minister Mustafa who was in the UK on an official visit. The Minister was accompanied by Siham Mamand, the Assistant Head of the DFR, and High Representative  Abdul Rahman during the visit which included meetings with British officials, parliamentarians, journalists and think tanks.

Minister Mustafa told the seminar at British Expertise, 'There is huge potential in many areas of the economy and we like to do business with the British. Foreign Secretary William Hague recognised this when he made the decision to increase the number of staff at the British Consulate in Erbil a few years ago while other British diplomatic missions were facing cuts.'

The minister outlined the key areas the KRG is promoting - tourism, agriculture and manufacturing - so that the economy is not over reliant on oil.

He also updated the meeting on political developments, relations with Turkey, the Syrian refugee crisis and the forthcoming Iraqi elections.

Ms Abdul Rahman spoke about the Kurdish economy's rapid growth over the past decade, which has been achieved thanks to high levels of security, clear economic policies that focus on services such as the provision of electricity, and the development of an oil and gas sector from scratch in the past seven years. She urged Britain to make visas access easier for business visitors, to start direct flights and for British ministers to lead trade delegations to Kurdistan in the same way as other European countries do.

British Expertise members had a range of questions, including on Kurdistan's trade relations with Scotland and Northern Ireland, the KRG's procurement methods and the impact of Syrian refugees on the economy

London, UK (UK.KRG.org) - Britain and Kurdistan Region have a partnership that should be nurtured, was the message of Kurdistan Regional Government Minister Falah Mustafa during an official visit to the UK last week.

Minister Mustafa, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, who was accompanied by Siham Mamand, Assistant Head of the DFR, and Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the KRG High Representative to the UK, met officials, members of the opposition, parliamentarians, journalists and think tanks to deliver the message.

In a meeting with Hugh Robertson, the UK's Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Mustafa said, 'We view our relationship with Britain as a partnership of choice, in education, culture, politics and economics. And we want to broaden the areas of cooperation.'

Minister Mustafa called for direct flights between the two countries and more regular visits by ministers on both sides.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed the forthcoming Iraq-wide elections which are scheduled to take place on April 30. Minister Mustafa said it was important that countries like the UK, which have a history in Iraq, continue to support timely elections and the neutrality and authority of the Independent High Electoral Commission.

They also discussed the current political crisis between Baghdad and Erbil and the rise in violence in Anbar which has led to 30,000 people fleeing from there to Kurdistan. This is in addition to the 260,000 Syrian refugees who have taken shelter in the region.

The ministers discussed the problems in Syria and the need to provide aid to people inside the country as well as refugees in neighbouring countries.

The two ministers later made keynote speeches at a ceremony organised by the KRG UK Representation and the Kurdish community to honour those who were killed in the Anfal genocide campaign.

Anfal was an eight-stage killing operation organised by Saddam Hussein's regime that  killed 182,000 people in 1988. This was the peak of a decades-long genocide against the Kurds who are now calling for Britain and other countries to recognise it.

Minister Robertson said at the ceremony, 'There is no doubt that Iraq’s Kurds suffered a terrible injustice under Saddam Hussein. It is important that we reflect on the suffering caused, extend our sympathy to all those affected and reaffirm our belief that no group should be allowed to suffer that fate again.'

This was the first time that a British minister had attended such a ceremony and its significance was acknowledged by Minister Mustafa who said, 'It is a compassionate gesture and one that carries huge significance for the people of Kurdistan as we continue in our struggle for recognition of the Kurdish genocide and the 182,000 lives lost to it.'

At the ceremony, High Representative Abdul Rahman, said, ‘The world must learn the lesson of the Kurdish genocide which is that dictators have to be stopped. Failing to tackle dictators only emboldens their greed and violence.'