Berlin, Germany, June 26, 2023

Continuing his meetings in Berlin, President Nechirvan Barzani met with German Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tobias Lindner on Monday.

In the meeting, the President commended the strong relations of Germany with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and highlighted the constructive outcomes of the recent visit by the Iraqi Prime Minister to Berlin. The President also called on Germany to continue to support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in maintaining peace and stability in the country and in confronting the threat of ISIS.

For his part, Mr. Lindner reiterated Germany’s commitment to assist and support Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and stressed the continuation of the mission of German forces in Iraq within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS.

The meeting, also attended by Iraq’s Ambassador to Berlin, focused on the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region, the upcoming general elections, and the latest developments in the wider region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-and-german-minister-of-state-for-foreign-affairs-discuss-bilateral-relations/

On Thursday, June 24, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Bastora Dam in Erbil governorate. During his speech, PM Barzani emphasised the project's significance and highlighted the importance of water for various aspects of development, including industry, energy supply, agriculture, human well-being, and environment.

The Prime Minister's presence and remarks demonstrated the government's unwavering commitment to the project and its positive impact on Bastora and the surrounding area. Here is a summary of PM Barzani's speech:

"The primary advantage of the dam lies in its ability to store water for drinking, agriculture, tourism, and investment in fishponds, which will greatly benefit the people of the region. As part of the KRG's strategy, we aim to construct dams to ensure food security.

“The government has decided to build as many dams as possible throughout the region. We are pleased to note that some of these projects have already been built, while others are currently being designed and constructed. Once these dams are completed, they will play a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector and serve as a source of energy. Their construction will significantly impact the region's development and economic stability.

“Water is a vital and valuable economic resource, and it is our collective responsibility to avoid its wastage. Dams such as Dukan and Darbandikhan in the Kurdistan Region have not only benefited our region but also the entire country of Iraq. Therefore, we hope that the federal government of Iraq will support the KRG in the repair and maintenance of these dams and extend their assistance for the ongoing dam construction projects.

“I commend the company involved in the Bastora Dam project, and I hope that it will be completed on time, adhering to the specified high-quality standards. Lastly, the KRG is committed to supporting similar projects across all parts of the Kurdistan Region."

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/prime-minister-krg-to-build-new-dams-across-the-region/

Berlin, Germany, June 26, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani met with State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany, Mrs. Franziska Brantner, in Berlin today.

At the meeting, also attended by the Iraqi Ambassador to Berlin, the two sides discussed the challenges facing Iraq, including climate change, water scarcity, drought and desertification, which necessitate international assistance, expertise and support for Iraq to address their impacts.

Both sides also agreed on the importance of a comprehensive plan to meet these challenges in Iraq. They also stressed the need and importance of assisting Iraq, especially in the field of renewable energy and reduction of reliance on oil, and encouraging the private sector and German investments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-and-state-secretary-for-economic-affairs-and-climate-action-of-germany-discuss-mutual-cooperation/

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, June 21, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received a high-level US delegation led by Ms. Dana Stroul, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, accompanied by General Matthew McFarlane, Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, and diplomats and officials from the US Department of Defense, the US Embassy in Baghdad and the US Consulate General in Erbil.

The meeting discussed US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations and their ongoing talks to resolve their differences, the latest developments in the fight against ISIS, the reforms of the Ministry of Peshmarga Affairs, and the efforts to unite and reorganize the Peshmerga forces.

Both sides agreed that ISIS is still a threat in Iraq and Syria and stressed the importance of continued joint cooperation to combat the threat of ISIS and to preserve the current security gains. In this regard, the guest delegation reiterated the continued US support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides stressed the need to exert greater efforts to complete the reform process and reorganize and reunite the Peshmerga. The US delegation thanked President Nechirvan Barzani for his efforts and active role in the process, and reaffirmed the continued support of the United States for the process. The delegation also conveyed the greetings of the US Secretary of Defense to the Kurdistan Region President.

The meeting was also attended by the Peshmerga Chief of Staff, and a number of other officials of the Kurdistan Region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-a-high-level-us-delegation-3/

On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) held a meeting with Jeanine Plasschaert, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The meeting focussed on current issues within the Kurdistan Region. Both parties agreed on the urgent need to hold parliamentary elections in the region as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of avoiding any further delays in the elections, and emphasised that this democratic process must not be compromised or undermined by any group's self-interest.

In addition, the discussions also encompassed the latest developments in Iraq, including the constitutional rights and financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region.

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Türkiye in Ankara.

At the start of the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani extended his congratulations to President Erdogan on his victory in the recent elections and conveyed his sincere hopes for the success of the new Turkish government.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Türkiye's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, the two leaders engaged in discussions about the overall situation in Iraq and the wider region. Additionally, they emphasised the significance of enhancing the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of Türkiye.

Both parties agreed on the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and expanding opportunities for cooperation and coordination, with a specific focus on regional security and stability. They highlighted economy and trade as particularly promising areas for collaboration.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, June 21, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Mr. Hans Sandee, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Iraq.

The meeting discussed the bilateral relations of the Netherlands with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the wider region, and the situation of refugees hosted in the camps across the country.

The President congratulated the new Ambassador on assuming the office, wished him success, and expressed the support of the Kurdistan Region for his work and mission. The President also thanked the Netherlands for its support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, especially in the field of diversification of economic resources, and development in agriculture.

For his part, the Ambassador of the Netherlands stressed that his country is committed to peace and stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as an important and federal region, and also reiterated that the Netherlands will continue to support the stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Ambassador Sandee commended the Kurdistan Region’s support to the refugees.

The meeting, also attended by the Consul General of the Netherlands, discussed the human rights situation, the work of NGOs in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and other issues of common interest.

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

On Monday, June 19, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) held a meeting with Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce. Accompanied by a delegation from the Chamber and Irvin Hicks, the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two sides.

Mr. Lutes began by providing an overview of the Chamber's objectives for their visit to the region. He introduced the members of the delegation, which included representatives from various US agricultural companies.

Expressing his appreciation, Prime Minister Barzani conveyed gratitude for the United States' dedication to fostering stronger relations with the Kurdistan Region through the private sector. He emphasised that the KRG's ninth cabinet has prioritised reform plans focussing on economic diversification, agricultural development, building a robust economic infrastructure, implementing a modernised banking system, and digitalising public sector services.

Prime Minister Barzani placed significant emphasis on the agricultural sector’s vital role. He expressed his government's steadfast commitment to transforming the Kurdistan Region into a thriving agricultural and commercial hub, ensuring long-term food security and sustainability.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to US companies, urging them to increase their investments in the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the promising fields of renewable energy and banking. He reassured them that the KRG would actively assist and facilitate foreign investment, ensuring a conducive and supportive environment for their operations.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/june/krg-prime-minister-receives-a-delegation-from-us-chamber-of-commerce/