Politics

Senior Kurdish leader talks strengthening ties with Arab nations in meeting with diplomats

Masoud Barzani on Monday held a meeting with diplomats from several Arab nations and affirmed the region’s commitment to build and strengthen ties with the countries.

Mustafa Shilani 2021/01/26 01:10

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani with Consul Generals, official Representations of the Arab Countries in the Kurdistan Region. (Photo: Barzani Headquarter)

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ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Senior Kurdish leader and former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani on Monday held a meeting with diplomats from several Arab nations and affirmed the region’s commitment to build and strengthen ties with the countries.

“The delegation praised the historical friendship between Barzani and the [Kurdistan] Region, and the peoples of the Arab countries, as well as the role of Kurdistan in hosting the displaced Iraqi people during the war on ISIS,” read a statement from Barzani’s office.

The statement noted that the diplomats praised the role of the Peshmerga forces in the fight against the so-called Islamic State and emphasized further developing relations with the Kurdistan Region. The officials also expressed their hope for a resolution to outstanding disputes between Erbil and Baghdad through dialogue.

Barzani, who is the head of the leading Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), stated in turn that “the people of Kurdistan will always build their relations based on friendship with the people of the wider region and the foundation of harmony and peaceful coexistence.”

The Kurdish leader reiterated Erbil’s commitment to peaceful dialogue with Baghdad and explained that a settlement must be within a constitutional framework.