Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

UK reaffirms support to Kurdistan Region

2020-12-02T11:23:16.000000Z
International relations
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, December 1, 2020

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Mr. James Cleverly, and UK Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Mr. James Heappey.
Also attended by Kurdistan Region Vice Presidents, the discussion focused on UK relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the political and security situation, Erbil-Baghdad disagreements, and the ISIS threat which requires continued cooperation and support of the international coalition forces.

President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s appreciation and gratitude for the United Kingdom’s support in the war against terror and underlined the need for political will to resolve Erbil-Baghdad disputes. The President stated that the federal system, as enshrined in the Iraq Constitution, provides the basis for the resolution of disagreements.

The President appreciated the Ministers’ visit to the Kurdistan Region, viewing it as a positive message at a time when the world is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic. He reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to further strengthen bilateral relations with the United Kingdom.

Both Ministers reiterated the UK’s gratitude and appreciation for the Kurdistan Region’s role and bravery of the Peshmerga in the fight against terrorism that has greatly reduced the ISIS' threat. The Ministers stated the United Kingdom will continue to support the Kurdistan Region to confront and completely defeat terrorism, eliminate ISIS' threat, and pledged to support Erbil and Baghdad to resolve their disputes.

Also discussed were upcoming national elections, latest developments in the greater region, conditions of refugees and IDPs in the Kurdistan Region, relations of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq with neighboring countries, and other issues of mutual interest.