President Barzani meets US, UK foreign ministers in Munich

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio met on Saturday and highlighted the strong partnership between Erbil and Washington and their shared commitment to regional stability and security.

Barzani and Rubio met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference and discussed “strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” as well as “continuing joint cooperation between them in all fields,” including security, read a statement from the Kurdistan Region’s presidency.

They also touched on evolving events in the region and “the security situation, dangers of terrorism, and confronting the threats of ISIS [Islamic State] in Iraq and Syria.”

The Kurdistan Region’s president voiced Erbil’s appreciation for Washington’s “continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, especially in the field of combating terrorism,” according to the statement.

Rubio stated that “the US, as an ally, views its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with importance,” especially their “continued security and military cooperation to face common challenges and strengthen economic growth and development,” according to the Kurdish statement.

The latest developments in the region, especially Syria and the situation of the Kurds, were also on the agenda.

Barzani invited Rubio to the inauguration of the new building of the US Consulate General in Erbil.

Earlier on the same day, Barzani met British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss ways “to strengthen cooperation in the economic, political, and security fields,” said a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

Barzani thanked Lammy for London’s “continued support” for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in “fighting terrorism.”

Lammy underscored London’s ongoing support for the Kurdistan Region and highlighted “the importance of joint coordination in addressing regional challenges, security threats, and economic obstacles,” according to the Kurdistan Region Presidency statement.

The conference, held annually since 1963, is a leading global event attracting prominent international figures to discuss major security challenges and risks.

Barzani also met with an American senator, Elissa Slotkin, who said they had a good discussion.

“I always love to see my Kurdish friends, I feel very close to the Kurdish leaders. We’ve known each other for over 20 years when I did three tours in Iraq many, many years ago. So it’s always great to see friends,” she told Rudaw’s Alla Shally.

Slotkin is a member of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services.

“We talked, Mr. Barzani and I, about the changes in the region, you know, what’s happening in Syria, in Iran, in Lebanon and the whole region. He has an important role to play in the changes that are going on there,” she said.

Slotkin said she plans to arrange a visit for US congress members to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

“The discussion focused on the relationship between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the United States, emphasizing ways to enhance collaboration in security and defense. They also addressed recent developments in the fight against terrorism and the ongoing efforts of the international coalition to counter the ISIS threat,” read a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency about their meeting.

Other topics that were discussed were the Kurdistan Region's “parliamentary elections and the formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government,” as well as the situation in Syria, the Kurdistan Region’s presidency added.

Barzani arrived in Germany on Thursday evening to attend the Munich Security Conference where he has held multiple meetings with senior officials. Developments in Syria have been the primary topic of conversation.

Updated at 6:20 pm

 

 

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