France to contribute to Kurdistan Region economic recovery

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The French Consul General in Erbil stated on Thursday that the relations between France and the Kurdistan Region are not limited to the common fight against the Islamic State (IS), stating France has long term plans there.

Dominique Mas, the French Consul General in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, told Kurdistan 24 on Thursday that the presence of France in the Region has multiple purposes.

“The French presence in Kurdistan is not because of Daesh [Arabic name for IS]. French friendship existed a long time before Daesh and will last a long time after Daesh,” Mas said.

Mas stated that “Now we are in the process of identifying what we can do as far as reconstruction is concerned. We are trying to see exactly what the needs are.”

The French Consul’s remarks came following the opening of a new surgery hall at a hospital in the town of Bardarash in Duhok province, arranged by a French organization.

Mas revealed to Kurdistan 24 the projects that will be supported and provided by France in Kurdistan.

He said that France will soon start some projects on economic recovery, reconstructing houses in the liberated areas, providing health services for Shingal and a lot of other activities.

“If you do not mind we will stay with you for a quite a long time,” the Consul General concluded.

Editing by Ava Homa