British military delegation confirms continued support to Kurdistan Region in meeting with top officials

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Senior Kurdistan Region officials on Wednesday discussed security developments, terrorism, and Erbil-Baghdad ties with a military delegation from Britain. 

Masoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), on Wednesday, received a high-level military delegation from the British government in Erbil.

The delegation included Lieutenant General John Lorimer, Supreme Defense Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa, British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey, several advisors to the British Ministry of Defense, and the British Embassy in Iraq.

During the meeting, both sides had an in-depth exchange on the latest developments in the region and highlighted the relations between the regional government and the federal government in Baghdad.

They also discussed relations between the Kurdistan Region and Britain, emphasizing the need to continue military training for Peshmerga forces. The risks of terrorism and the resurgence of the so-called Islamic State were another focus of the meeting.

Earlier, on Wednesday morning, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, also received the British Supreme Defense Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa, and an accompanying delegation.

Lorimer's visit to the region comes at a time when his duties end, according to a statement on the Kurdistan Region’s Presidency website.

Lorimer affirmed Britain’s support toward the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq, extending his country’s thanks, and appreciation to the cooperation, and coordination between his country, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq.

On his side, President Nechirvan Barzani wished General Lorimer success in his future duties and extended his appreciation for the cooperation, and support from Britain to the Kurdistan Region.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the latest developments in the war against the Islamic State, the Erbil-Baghdad relations, including the ongoing dialogues to resolve differences and outstanding issues between the two sides, the security situation within the borders of the Kurdistan Region, and other files of common interest.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany