Prime Minister Barzani receives The Netherlands new Consul General to Erbil

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the new Consul General of The Netherlands to Erbil, Ms. Janet Alberda.

Ms. Alberda expressed her wishes to enhance bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and The Netherlands.

She commended the effectiveness of Peshmerga Forces in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS.

She welcomed the recent steps taken to improve the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, expressing her hope that all issues will be settled through mutual understanding.

Regarding the situation of internally displaced persons, IDPs, Ms. Alberda stated that along with the Dutch Ambassador to Iraq, she will visit IDP camps in order to closely observe their conditions and assess their needs.

The Kurdistan Region hosts close to 1.8 million displaced people and refugees who have fled ISIS terrorists. Many more are anticipated to flee to Kurdistan Region from Mosul during expected military operations to liberate the city from ISIS.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his government’s appreciation for the assistance provided by The Netherlands Government to the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the military field. He highly valued relations with The Netherlands.

Regarding relations with Iraq’s federal government, he stressed that his visit last month and later by Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani to Baghdad had positive repercussions, reaffirming that discussions will continue.

Bilateral relations and the expected military operation to liberate Mosul and its aftermath were also discussed.