Humanitarian

PM Barzani discusses illegal migration to EU with top Austrian diplomats

"The importance of thwarting illegal migration [to Europe] and resolving the issue of Kurdish migrants" was discussed between the Austrian diplomatic delegation and the Kurdish premier.

Kurdistan 24 2022/02/06 13:26

PM Masrour Barzani (right) during his meeting with top Austrian diplomat Mag. Gerold Vollmer, Feb. 6, 2022. (Photo: KRG)

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ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani discussed ways to prevent illegal migration with top Austrian diplomats in Erbil on Sunday.

Prime Minister Barzani received Mag. Gerold Vollmer, head of the Austrian Foreign Ministry's Middle East and North Africa, South Europe department, along with Mr. Oskar Wüstinger, the Austrian Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq.

"The importance of thwarting illegal migration [to Europe] and resolving the issue of Kurdish migrants" was discussed between the Austrian diplomatic delegation and the Kurdish premier, according to a press release from Barzani's office.

The two sides also discussed developing bilateral relations. Barzani described ties as "friendly and historic," especially Austria's support to the people of Kurdistan, according to the statement.

The Austrian diplomats, in turn, expressed their willingness to develop trade and investment ties with the Kurdistan Region, the release added.

The latest political developments in Iraq were also discussed.

Barzani had previously announced that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) would facilitate the return of bodies of Kurdish migrants who drowned trying to reach European Union countries and work with European partners to close illegal migration routes.

In a November phone call with Prime Minister Barzani, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he appreciated the KRG's efforts in tackling the dangerous networks that have endangered the lives of hundreds of migrants.