Archive for month: October, 2015

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received Germany’s new Consul General to Kurdistan Region, Marc Eichhorn.

Mr. Eichhorn discussed the relations between Germany and Kurdistan Region, stressing that his country is committed to assist Kurdistan Region in all the fields, particularly in the war against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, where Peshmerga forces have been able to achieve significant victories against the terrorist organisation, and protect the world from the terrorist threat.

This was the reason, he said, behind the rare decision taken by German Government to send military assistance outside the country.

Regarding the economic field, Mr. Eichhorn considered that the Kurdistan Region could become an appropriate place for investment in a near future. He stressed that the Consulate will inform German companies about Kurdistan Region investment opportunities and encourage them to invest in the Region.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation for Mr. Eichhorn’s visit, wishing him success in his new position.

Prime Minister Barzani stressed on further strengthening of relations between Kurdistan Region and Germany. He expressed his gratitude to the German Government for its courageous decision of sending military assistance to Kurdistan Region, particularly some weapons that have shown great effectiveness in the fight against ISIS, that have shifted the balance of the war in favour of Peshmerga forces.

The situation in Kurdistan Region and the relations between Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, and the Federal Government of Iraq were also discussed in the meeting.

In this regard, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his government’s readiness to send a delegation to Baghdad and discuss the possibilities of resolving the outstanding issues.

Tehran, Iran (cabinet.gov.krd) – On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, MSC, held in Tehran on Saturday, Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani held meetings with senior Iranian and European officials.

These meetings included German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, Iran First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, and the Secretary of Iran Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani.

Views were exchanged on regional issues and developments. Prime Minister Barzani discussed the latest political developments and events in the Kurdistan Region, the Peshmergas’ fight against ISIS, and relations with the Federal Government of Iraq.

In his meeting with Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif, Prime Minister Barzani praised the role he played in reaching the landmark nuclear deal between his country and the P5+1. He expressed his hope the agreement will help stabilise and develop bilateral relations between the Republic of Iran and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the economic field.

In his meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Prime Minster Barzani expressed his appreciation to the people and the Government of Germany for their military assistance to the Peshmerga forces which has significantly helped them in the war against ISIS.

Prime Minister Barzani also conveyed the desire of his government to continue holding talks with the Iraqi Federal Government with the view to resolve outstanding issues.
In his meeting with Speaker of the Iran Parliament Ali Larijani, Prime Minister Barzani thanked him for Iran’s assistance to the

Kurdistan Region, stressing that the Region values its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Speaker said that as the Kurdistan Region is peaceful and secure, tensions and unrest must be avoided. He stressed that Iran will continue its support to the Region.

In his meeting with First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, recent events were discussed, including the public demonstrations that turned into violence in some towns of Suleimaniya Governorate. Vice-President Jahangiri stressed that political unity is necessary for maintaining stability and security. Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed the value of the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They also discussed strengthening economic relations.

The Secretary of the Iran Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani reiterated the continuation of Iranian support to the Kurdistan Region in its war against terrorism. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region’s stability and security is important to Iran. This is why, he said, that unity among the Kurdistan Region’s political forces is necessary.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Iranian support and briefed Mr. Shamkhani about the recent developments on the frontline between the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces and ISIS. He expressed his hope that Iranian and other international assistance would help eradicate the ISIS threat.

Prime Minister Barzani visited Tehran to attend the Munich Security Conference, MSC, that began on Saturday in Tehran. It was co-hosted with the Institute for Political and International Studies, and held in cooperation with the Governments of Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

It was held as part of the MSC Core Group Meeting Series and focused on the implementation of the agreement reached recently on the Iranian nuclear programme, security related issues in the Middle East, as well as economic and energy policies.