Barzani meets with high-ranking international officials on first day of WEF 2017 in Jordan

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – On Saturday, the President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani participated in the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2017 in Jordan and met with a number of officials and organization from across the globe.

In his first meeting, Barzani met with the President of Iraq Fuad Masoum and discussed the progress of the fight against the Islamic State (IS) in Mosul and other parts of Iraq, refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and what would be a post-IS Iraq. The two also discussed bilateral relations between Erbil and Baghdad, according to the Kurdistan Region Presidency's (KRP) media office.

Later, Barzani met with Norway’s Foreign Minister Borge Brende and talked about Norwegian and Kurdistan Region ties, the latest development in the war against IS, post-IS Iraq and the IDP situation in Kurdistan.

During the meeting, Barzani highlighted the usefulness of military and humanitarian aid to the Kurdistan Region in the fight against the jihadist group. The current political situation in the region and Syria were other topics of discussion between the two officials.

The Kurdistan President also met with Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the WEF 2017, who praised the role of the Peshmerga forces in successfully defeating IS on behalf of the world despite having limited military equipment. 

Schwab noted the people of the Kurdistan Region's hospitality in receiving almost two million refugees and IDPs.

Barzani also met with the Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders and talked about improving relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Netherlands, namely in the energy, agriculture, and water sectors.

In the meeting, Barzani hoped that bilateral ties would progress to a higher level, particularly with regards to energy and agriculture.

The President explained that the war on IS, and the group’s defeat in Mosul, would not put an end to IS threats. He called for international cooperation to eliminate terror threats worldwide.

Following the meeting with the Dutch official, Barzani met with members of the Global Shapers organization. During the meeting, Barzani briefly explained the history of the Kurds and mentioned factors that have pushed the Kurdistan Region to move toward independence.

The Kurdish president is expected to meet with more officials as the WEF comes to an end on Sunday.

Editing by G.H. Renaud