PM Barzani, Austrian envoy stress importance of protecting diplomatic missions in Iraq

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Austrian Ambassador to Iraq Andrea Nasi on Monday stressed the importance of protecting diplomatic missions in Iraq. 

Barzani and the envoy discussed the latest political developments in Iraq and the region as well as enhancing bilateral ties, according to a statement from the premier’s office.

The officials stressed the importance of protecting the diplomatic missions in Iraq and maintaining their duties for the sake of “safeguarding security and stability in Iraq and Kurdistan Region,” the press release added.

Addressing the bilateral ties between Erbil and Vienna, Barzani highlighted the “historic and special” relations between the two nations as well as the European country’s support for the Kurdish nation at various stages.

The European diplomat expressed his country’s willingness to enhance ties with the Kurdistan Region and reiterated support for the constitutional entity of the Kurdish region.

In September 2023, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, where he met with the top Kurdish leaders, including Prime Minister Barzani.

Following decades of closure, the chief diplomat inaugurated his country’s diplomatic mission in Baghdad again. The country is also set to establish its honorary consul in Erbil

In Dec. 2006, the country’s Austria Airlines was the first European airline to operate direct flights between Erbil and Vienna.