Kurdistan Regional

Kurdistan Regional (694)

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with Foreign Minister of Austria

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 13, 2023

President Nechirvan Barzani received the Austrian Foreign Minister Mr. Alexander Schallenberg and his accompanying delegation today.

The President and Foreign Minister Schallenberg discussed Austria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations and the illegal immigration to Europe.

The President referred to the long-standing relationship between the two countries and praised Austria’s support for the Kurdistan Region including the continued direct flights between Vienna and Erbil. He congratulated Foreign Minister Schallenberg for reopening the Austrian Embassy in Baghdad and called for the establishment of an Austrian representative office in the Kurdistan Region.

The Austrian Foreign Minister stated that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and plan to establish a representative in Kurdistan. Mr. Schallenberg also stated that the Austrian private sector wishes to make investments in the Kurdistan Region. The two sides affirmed that stable political and security environments are essential to attract foreign capital and to promote economic growth. The two also discussed the importance of comprehensive cooperation between European countries and other countries in the region in order to combat illegal immigration.

In regards to the differences between Erbil and Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that the issues must be resolved in accordance with the constitution, and that the federal system of government must be fully established in a constructive way based on mutual understanding in order to resolve and overcome the disagreements. In addition, the President emphasized the importance of good friendly relations with neighboring countries and the protection of mutual interests.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-foreign-minister-of-austria/

PM Masrour Barzani welcomes Canadian Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds group

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received the Canadian Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds group led by MP Tom Kmiec in Erbil today. The delegation presented a brief about their work and activities with the aim to support the Kurdish cause and develop relations between Canada and the Kurdistan Region. The delegation commended the culture of peaceful coexistence, religious freedom and freedom of expression in the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Canada's assistance and support to the Kurdistan Region, especially in the fight against ISIS. They also discussed developments with the federal government and stressed that the Kurdistan Region has fulfilled all its obligations within the framework of the Constitution. Prime Minister Barzani expressed regret that the rights of the people of Kurdistan is still being violated and the agreement between the parties forming the government and the Federal Government Agenda that was approved by a majority in the Iraqi parliament is not respected.

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistani people will not give up their legitimate and constitutional rights and will not submit to any pressure and threats from those who want to return Iraq to an era of dictatorship and oppression.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/september/pm-masrour-barzani-welcomes-canadian-parliamentary-friends-of-the-kurds-group/

A statement from the President of the Kurdistan Region on the security situation in Kirkuk

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 2, 2023

The blockade of the Erbil-Kirkuk highway in the past six days was illegal. Unfortunately, this illegal act has not been addressed by the Kirkuk administration yet. Kirkuk needs the implementation of the law and the constitution, and does not need more illegal activities.

As the city administration did not address the roadblock, which has affected the lives of the residents of the city, Kurdish citizens in Kirkuk today protested against the blockade, but unfortunately they were responded with violence, as a result of which a young man lost his life and several others were injured.

While we look at the security tensions with great concern, and closely monitor the situation, we strongly condemn the shooting and the use of live ammunition against civilian demonstrators. Inciting chaos in Kirkuk poses a serious threat to coexistence, security and stability.

The relevant parties of the Federal Iraqi Government must take the necessary measures immediately as it is the duty of the security forces to protect the safety of all communities in Kirkuk without any discrimination, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

It is the responsibility of all parties to maintain peace and security, and not allow the security situation in Kirkuk and the province to deteriorate under any pretext. We call on everyone to exert maximum restraint; the roads should be opened and peace and normal life must be restored for all the citizens of Kirkuk.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region

September 2, 2023

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/a-statement-from-the-president-of-the-kurdistan-region-on-the-security-situation-in-kirkuk/

KRG Prime Minister Meets New US Consul General in Erbil

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, welcomed Mr. Mark Stroh, the recently appointed US Consul General to Erbil.

In their meeting, Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Mr. Stroh on his new role and highlighted the Kurdistan Region's continued commitment to strengthening relations with the United States. He further acknowledged the enduring and close ties between the Kurdistan Region and the US.

Consul General Stroh reciprocated the sentiment, emphasising the US's commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering strong bilateral ties with the Kurdistan Region.

Central to their conversation was the imperative of upholding the Kurdistan Region's constitutional rights and addressing unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad under the federal constitution.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-meets-new-us-consul-general-in-erbil/

KRG Prime Minister Hosts Türkiye's Foreign and Energy Ministers

On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, welcomed Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

During their discussion, they addressed the latest developments in Iraq and the region, and explored avenues to further bolster the bilateral relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Türkiye.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasised the significance of enhancing ties, particularly in facilitating trade and easing the movement of travellers between both regions.

A key topic of their discussion was the urgency of continuing the oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to Türkiye’s Ceyhan port. They also stressed the importance of resolving any issues causing delays, as prolonging such matters would be detrimental to all parties involved.

They further deliberated on the “Road of Development” initiative, a proposed railway network aiming to connect the Gulf States and Iraq to Türkiye and beyond. Prime Minister Barzani asserted that the project should proceed with the full coordination and approval of the Kurdistan Region, ensuring the benefits are extended to all Iraqi citizens, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.

Foreign Minister Fidan expressed his pleasure at visiting the Kurdistan Region and conveyed Türkiye’s desire to fortify its relationship with the region across various sectors.

Concluding their discussions, at a joint press conference, both Prime Minister Barzani and Minister Fidan highlighted the necessity of enhancing economic, trade, and security relations, safeguarding the stability of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the wider region.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-hosts-tuerkiyes-foreign-and-energy-ministers/

KRG Prime Minister Meets German Bundestag Delegation

On Tuesday, August 24, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government met with Lamya Kaddor, a member of the German Bundestag. Klaus Streicher, Germany’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, also attended.

They discussed the peaceful coexistence of various ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region, emphasising cultural tolerance and countering extremism. Discussions also addressed concerns about refugees, internal displacements in the region, and the threat of the so-called Islamic State.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-meets-german-bundestag-delegation/

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