PM Barzani receives French and German ambassadors to Iraq

Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani (Right) with the German and French ambassadors to Iraq, Feb. 15, 2021. (Photo: KRG)
Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani (Right) with the German and French ambassadors to Iraq, Feb. 15, 2021. (Photo: KRG)

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Masrour Barzani, on Monday discussed ways of strengthening bilateral ties in a joint meeting with the German and French ambassadors to Iraq.

The German envoy, Ole Diehl, and French ambassador, Bruno Oper, expressed their countries' readiness to further develop cooperation and coordination with the Kurdistan Region, as well as strengthening relations with the KRG, a statement on the government’s website read.

The premier thanked Germany and France for their assistance to the Kurdistan Region, especially in fighting terrorism, and highlighted the ongoing talks between the region and the federal government of Iraq, the statement said.

Barzani affirmed that solving the outstanding problems between the two sides and reaching an agreement within the framework of the constitution will benefit all citizens in Iraq.

The meeting also shed light on the importance of implementing the Sinjar (Shingal) Agreement and ways to bring peace and stability to the region, the statement said.

A KRG delegation arrived in Baghdad on Sunday evening to engage in a new round of discussions between the parliamentary blocs on the Kurdistan Region’s share in the 2021 federal budget law.

In late December 2020, Baghdad and Erbil reached an agreement on the budget, stipulating that the Region hand over 250 thousand barrels of oil per day and half of its internal revenues to the federal government, in exchange for the region’s share in the budget, which is 12.6 percent.

Editing by Joanne Stocker-Kelly