Head of DFR and Head of EU Delegation to Iraq discussed latest developments

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (dfr.gov.krd) – Head of KRG Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa today received the new Head of EU Delegation to Iraq, Ambassador Patrick Simonnet, to discuss recent vents.

Ambassador Simonnet expressed delight at visiting the Kurdistan Region for the first time, and said that the purpose of his visit was to meet the KRG leadership to discuss the ongoing challenges facing Iraq and Kurdistan Region.

The Ambassador stated, “I reiterate the support of the European Union to the Kurdistan Region. We have been commending the efforts of the Peshmerga, and we appreciate their role in the fight against ISIS. We are also committed to continue helping the Kurdistan Region in providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced people who have sought refuge in the region.”

Minister Mustafa highlighted the needs of Kurdistan Region and stressed that, “The cost of sustaining the war against ISIS, caring for nearly two million displaced people, and falling oil prices have place a tremendous financial burden on the KRG.”

“We view EU as a partner. We call upon EU to provide technical assistance to help KRG overcome the current challenges and to help us strengthen the institutions of the Kurdistan Region,” Minister Mustafa added.

Both sides also spoke in detail of Erbil-Baghdad ties and the future of the Kurdistan Region. Deputy Head of EU Delegation Mr. Konstantinos Vardakis, Mr. Patrick Geysen Head of EU Liaison Office in Erbil, and Assistant Head of DFR Ms. Siham Mamand also attended the meeting.