PM Masrour Barzani concludes meetings with world leaders at Munich Security Conference

The Kurdish delegation discussed a range of issues from the urgent need to address the Islamic State threat to the growing investment opportunities available to foreign businesses within the Kurdistan Region.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani concluded his meetings with world leaders at the 2020 Munich Security Conference, where he discussed security and stability in Iraq and the Middle East, in general. 

During his meeting with Mark Sedwill, the National Security Adviser of Britain, Prime Minister Barzani and Sedwill both stressed the need to further strengthen the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Britain, a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) website read.

They also highlighted additional coordination in the fight against the so-called Islamic State, which they agreed still poses a serious threat to Iraq and the region.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with Mark Sedwill, the National Security Adviser of Britain, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with Mark Sedwill, the National Security Adviser of Britain, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with Germany’s Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Niels Annen, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with Germany’s Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Niels Annen, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)

Barzani also met with Germany’s Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Niels Annen, to discuss the latest developments in Iraq and the region, as both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and Germany.

Prime Minister Barzani “acknowledged Germany’s role as part of the Global Coalition against ISIS and stressed the importance of continued German support for the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces, as they tackle the growing terrorist threat,” a KRG statement said.

“Minister Annen recognized the stability and prosperity in the Kurdistan Region, calling it a role model of governance in Iraq and the region.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)

During the third and last day of the Munich Security Conference, Prime Minister Barzani met with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu.

“Prime Minister Barzani and Minister Cavusoglu reviewed the latest developments in Iraq and the wider region. They discussed ways of expanding bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey, with a particular focus on improving trade links,” a KRG statement read.

“Both sides agreed to coordinate their efforts to de-escalate tensions in Iraq and across the region.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Munich, Germany, Feb. 16, 2020. (Photo: KRG)

Barzani also discussed the latest developments in Iraq and the area with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, at the Security Conference.

Both Barzani and Zarif “agreed that they have an obligation of maintaining good neighborly relations and mutual respect,” as they also shed light on “common recognition of regional security challenges.”

“Prime Minister Barzani and Minister Zarif reiterated their support to de-escalate tensions in Iraq and further contribute toward stability in the region.”

The Kurdish leader led the KRG delegation at the Security Conference in Munich, and held various meetings to discuss a “range of important issues…including the urgent requirements to address the growing ISIS threat and improve regional stability,” while also pointing out “the growing investment opportunities available to foreign businesses within the Kurdistan Region.” 

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany