KRG Minister meets with German Defence Minister

Bratislava, Slovakia (dfr.gov.krd) – On the sidelines of the 11th GLOBSEC conference, the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa held a meeting with Germany’s Minister of Defence, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen to explore ways of tackling the effects of the economic and humanitarian crisis on the Kurdistan Regionas well as the ongoing war with ISIS.

During their meeting, Minister Bakir expressed his utmost gratitude to Germany for their continued support of the Peshmerga and the people of Kurdistan. Minister von der Leyen likewise expressed her admiration for the courage of the Kurdish people especially the Peshmerga, adding that she was very impressed by their gains in thefight against ISIS.

In regard to the humanitarian dimension of the war, Germany will explore the possibility of opening a rehabilitation center to treat traumatized refugees and IDPs, specifically Ezidi women. There are many women and children who remain severely traumatized as a consequence of the war. Minister von der Leyen added that Germany will furthermore look into the introduction of microfinance programs that would help single mothers in generating a sustainable income.