President Nechirvan Barzani and his delegation held a meeting with France’s Defense Minister Mr. Sébastien Lecornu in Paris on Friday evening. The President expressed his gratitude for France’s support and military assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He acknowledged the great contribution and sacrifices made by French forces in the international coalition against ISIS. President Barzani also extended his condolences to the families of the three French soldiers who recently lost their lives in Iraq.

Minister Lecornu, in turn, expressed appreciation for the role and sacrifices of the Peshmerga in defeating ISIS and fighting terrorism. He emphasized the commitment and continuity of military support and expressed readiness to increase joint cooperation within the framework of the strategic agreement between Iraq and France in the military and security fields.

The meeting, attended by the Chief of Staff of the French army and other military officials, focused on discussing the latest developments in the tense situation in the Middle East. Both sides stressed the importance of efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict and agreed that Iraq and the countries in the region should not be drawn into the ongoing fighting.

Additionally, the progress of cooperation between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army was discussed, along with the threats posed by ISIS to the peace and stability of Iraq and Syria. Several other issues of mutual importance were also addressed.

Following the meeting, the President expressed his gratitude to France for its support and cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in a message written in the ministry’s guest book.

President Nechirvan Barzani was welcomed by French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Friday.

During their private discussion, the two leaders focused on enhancing French relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They also emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad to address their outstanding issues.

The leaders engaged in a comprehensive dialogue, covering the political, security, and economic situation in Iraq, as well as the latest developments in the region. They underscored the necessity of strengthening the ties between France and both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, in line with the strategic agreement between Iraq and France.

Recognizing the complex situation in the region, President Barzani and President Macron agreed on the imperative of maintaining peace and stability in Iraq. They emphasized the significance of continued understanding and dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve their differences.

In light of the challenging circumstances in the Middle East, both leaders stressed the need for concerted efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts and safeguard the well-being of civilians. They also highlighted the importance of providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. They acknowledged that any further complications in the situation could jeopardize peace and stability in the wider region.

Additionally, the leaders discussed the latest developments in the fight against terrorism, particularly the threats posed by ISIS. They also addressed the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with neighboring countries and the broader region, as well as the situation in Syria.

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting today with Mr. Mark Stroh, the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, to address the current developments in the region, particularly the recent attacks on coalition forces. Both parties shared their perspectives on many issues, including security coordination between Erbil and Baghdad.

The President and the US Consul General expressed their shared concern regarding the potential escalation of tensions and its possible consequences across the Middle East. They underscored the significance of ensuring the continuous protection of coalition forces and diplomatic representatives in both the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq. Additionally, they reaffirmed the importance of cooperation and security coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga forces in order to maintain peace and stability.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-receives-the-american-consul/

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the Iraqi National Project, Sheikh Jamal Al-Dhari, this afternoon. Their discussion focused on the current political and security situation in Iraq, as well as the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, emphasizing the importance of resolving any issues between the two sides. Additionally, they exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Sheikh Jamal Al-Dhari agreed on the significance of upholding peace and stability in Iraq and the wider region. They also expressed their shared commitment to preventing the escalation of tensions and emphasized the need for Iraq to refrain from involvement in any regional conflicts.

President Nechirvan Barzani had a meeting with Mr. Ahmed Amjad Ali, the outgoing Ambassador of Pakistan to Iraq, to bid him farewell at the end of his term of office in Iraq.

The President expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Amjad Ali for his dedication and his efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The President also extended his best wishes to Mr. Amjad Ali for his future endeavors.

Ambassador Amjad Ali expressed his appreciation for the cooperation that he received from the relevant parties in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, which greatly contributed to the success of his work. He also expressed his hope for further progress in Pakistan’s relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

President Nechirvan Barzani and Mr. Amjad Ali’s cordial meeting focused on acknowledging the achievements made during the latter’s tenure as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq. Both parties expressed their commitment to continuing to strengthen their nations’ bilateral relations.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-receives-the-pakistani-ambassador/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, November 1, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Alina L. Romanowski, earlier today in Erbil. The focus of the meeting was on enhancing Iraq’s and the Kurdistan Region’s relationship with the US, under the US-Iraq Strategic Agreement. Both parties emphasized the significance of ongoing collaboration and the importance of ensuring the security of coalition forces and diplomatic representatives across Iraq.

Additionally the meeting, also attended by the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, addressed the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region and the latest developments in the wider Middle East.

At the official invitation of the French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President Nechirvan Barzani will visit Paris.

The meeting between President Nechirvan Barzani and President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to take place at the Élysée Palace on Friday.

The primary focus of their discussions will revolve around the bilateral relations between France and both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Additionally, the two leaders will explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation and delve into the prevailing situation in Iraq and the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-to-meet-with-president-emmanuel-macron-in-france/