German CG: 'Kurdistan a Key Regional Partner, We Aim to Broaden Cooperation.'

Albrecht von Wittke, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Erbil, Jan. 27, 2025. (Graphic: Designed by Kurdistan24)
Albrecht von Wittke, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Erbil, Jan. 27, 2025. (Graphic: Designed by Kurdistan24)

Jan. 27, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Albrecht von Wittke, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Erbil, emphasized Germany's commitment to expanding investments and enhancing cooperation with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), particularly in agriculture and other economic sectors, during an interview with Kurdistan24 on Monday.

Consul General Wittke, highlighted Germany's ongoing commitment to the KRI, emphasizing the mutual benefits derived from this strong relationship and the aspirations for its further enhancement in 2025. 

The Consul General pointed out recent high-level visits, such as those by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Tobias Lindner, as evidence of Germany's intent to deepen ties with the KRI.

Germany and the KRI enjoy a robust partnership characterized by trust and close collaboration, especially evident in the shared efforts towards socio-economic development, stabilization, and the crucial process of Peshmerga unification. Von Wittke noted the significant progress in these areas, backed by Germany's considerable aid, which has exceeded 3.4 billion euros since 2014 for various projects across Iraq, including the KRI.

In addressing future plans, the Consul General expressed a strong commitment to expanding German investments in the KRI. Efforts include facilitating business connections and supporting Kurdish business delegations' visits to Germany, particularly focusing on sectors like agriculture, which hold potential for growth and collaboration.

Despite the challenges, von Wittke remains optimistic about increasing trade between Germany and the KRI, citing ongoing reforms in Iraq's banking sector and commercial governance as steps that will further enable and enhance economic exchanges.

This interview not only reaffirms Germany's strategic partnership with the KRI but also outlines a forward-looking path that promises continued cooperation and mutual development.

Full Transcript of the Interview: 

Q: How would you describe the current bilateral ties between Germany and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and what are your aspirations for enhancing this relationship in 2025? 

A: The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and Germany enjoy a very friendly relationship and we benefit from this in our daily cooperation with the KRG. Whether it is our cooperation on specific projects or discussions on the long-term development of our relations - we work together very closely and in a spirit of trust. The KRI is a key partner for us in the region and we aim to continue our good cooperation and to broaden it. In early December, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Erbil and on 24/25 January 2025, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Tobias Lindner was here to discuss topics of mutual interest. I am confident that the strong ties between Germany and the KRI will continue to grow in the year ahead.

Q: How would you describe Germany’s position from the efforts to forming the new KRG cabinet and unifying the Peshmerga forces? 

A: We followed the elections in the KRI very closely and it was good to see that they were conducted in a safe and professional manner. The high turnout is an indicator for the will of the Kurdish people to determine their political future. We understand that there has recently been progress in the government formation talks, and we hope that a new government can be formed soon. The unification of the Peshmerga forces is crucial to build a strong and unified KRI. We share the assessment of KRG officials: unification of the Peshmerga forces is not yet achieved. Together with our international partners, Germany has contributed significantly to the unification process through capacity-building and training courses. We have also provided equipment and supported the construction of a Peshmerga Clinic. Our support will continue because a unified Peshmerga force is necessary to provide stability and peace in the KRI and beyond.

Q: Can you highlight some significant German investments or projects in the KRI that you find particularly noteworthy? 

A: In our cooperation with the KRG, we are focusing on areas that are decisive for the KRI’s long-term development and stability such as socio-economic development, the diversification of the economy, the fight against climate change, or efforts to strengthen human rights. Since 2014, Germany has allocated more than 3.4 billion euros in bilateral and multilateral assistance to support the stabilization, reconstruction and medium-term development of Iraq, including the KRI.

Q: What are your future plans for increasing German investments in the KRI? 

A: Our role as Consulate-General is to provide a platform for businesses from both the KRI and Germany to get in touch and to facilitate investments. There are various ways to play this role: We support the presence of German businesses at trade fairs here in the KRI, for example in the field of agriculture. We also facilitate visits of Kurdish business delegations to Germany. We are indeed discussing with the KRG and the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry how more such visits can be facilitated.

Q: Could you please provide details on the size of trade exchange between Germany and Iraq for 2024? Specifically, what percentage of this trade involved the Kurdistan Region? 

A: In 2023, German exports to Iraq amounted to 1.19 billion euros, and German imports from Iraq to 1.57 billion euros. Unfortunately, we don’t have numbers for 2024 or specifically for the KRI.

Q: What strategies are in place to expand the trade exchange between Germany and the KRI? 

A: There is potential to further increase the trade exchange between the KRI and Germany. When I meet with German business representatives, they tell me that they do want to invest here in the KRI. But they also tell me about the challenges they face, with regard to the security environment or international financial transactions for example. On a national level, as a friend and partner of Iraq, Germany forms part of the Iraq Economic Contact Group (IECG), which is committed to supporting Iraq, including the KRI, in the implementation of a comprehensive and ambitious economic reform agenda. While a lot of works remains to be done, we welcome the work on state-owned bank reform, banking sector modernization, and on improving governance around commercial banking and e-payments, for example.