Kurdistan Region President meets French Ambassador to Iraq for strategic talks on regional stability and new government formation
The meeting highlighted France’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region and the broader goals of security and stability in the Middle East.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Patrick Durel, the French Ambassador to Iraq, on Wednesday evening to discuss France-Iraq relations, developments in the Kurdistan Region, and the next steps in forming a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
The meeting highlighted France’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region and the broader goals of security and stability in the Middle East.
Ambassador Durel congratulated the Kurdistan Region on its recent successful elections, praising the high voter turnout as a strong indicator of the public’s engagement in shaping the region's future. The discussion covered steps toward establishing a government that aligns with the aspirations of the Kurdistan Region’s people, prioritizing development, stability, and democratic governance.
Reaffirming France's commitment to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Ambassador Durel pledged ongoing support to address regional challenges. President Barzani expressed his appreciation for France's sustained assistance on key issues affecting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the historic relationship between the two.
The meeting also included a strategic dialogue on regional security, with both parties stressing the importance of shielding Iraq from external conflicts and enhancing cooperative efforts to maintain internal stability. Both leaders highlighted the need for joint initiatives to curb tensions in the Middle East and promote a peaceful environment within Iraq.
Other topics discussed included Iraq's political landscape, the Kurdistan Region’s relations with neighboring countries, the recent election of the Iraqi parliament speaker, and upcoming US elections. The French Consul General in the Kurdistan Region attended the meeting, contributing to discussions about the broader diplomatic and political challenges facing the region.
The meeting underscored France and the Kurdistan Region's shared commitment to advancing regional stability and laying the foundation for a government that reflects the ambitions of the Kurdistan Region’s citizens.