Strategic Partnerships: NATO Ministers Discuss Continued Presence in Kurdistan Region
The defense ministers’ statements underscore their countries' ongoing strategic interests in the KRI.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Defense ministers from Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to maintaining their military presence in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) during the NATO defense ministers’ meeting held on Thursday in Brussels.
The discussions centered on the growing threats posed by ISIS and the broader security challenges in the region.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that German forces, alongside American forces, will continue to be stationed in the KRI for the foreseeable future.
Belgium’s Defense Minister, Theo Francken, reiterated his country’s resolve to strengthen its relationship with the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to expand collaboration across various sectors, with a focus on enhancing future cooperation for mutual benefit.
Similarly, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans highlighted his visit to Erbil and the discuss about escalating security threats posed by ISIS.
Strong Ties between Netherlands and KRI
The Netherlands has long maintained strong political ties with the KRI, underscored by high-level meetings, including a recent gathering between Prime Ministers Masrour Barzani and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Furthermore, the Dutch Minister of Defense visited Erbil one month ago, further solidifying the bilateral relationship.
Read More: Kurdistan Region: A Strategic Partner in a Changing Middle East
Belgium’s Continued Support for the Kurdistan Region
Belgium has also shown continued support for the Kurdistan Region. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo met with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. In their discussion, Prime Minister De Croo emphasized the significant role of the Kurdistan Region and reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to further strengthening ties.
Read More: KRG PM Barzani and Belgian Prime Minister Discuss Strengthening Economic Ties at WEF in Davos
Germany Strengthens Ties with Kurdistan Region
Germany's continued presence in the region underscores its strong and expanding relationship with the Kurdistan Region. This commitment was further reinforced by recent visits, including German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’s visit to Erbil in December and Deputy Foreign Minister Tobias Lindner’s visit in January 2025.
“I am confident that the strong ties between Germany and the KRI will continue to grow in the year ahead.” Said Albrecht von Wittke, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Erbil
Read More: German CG: 'Kurdistan a Key Regional Partner, We Aim to Broaden Cooperation.'
Strategic Interests and Long-Term Partnerships
The defense ministers’ statements underscore their countries' ongoing strategic interests in the KRI.
Their collective focus remains on combating terrorism, fostering regional stability, and building long-term partnerships in an increasingly complex and fluid regional security environment.