Germany Reaffirms Enduring Commitment to Peshmerga and Kurdish Stability
According to a statement from the Ministry of Peshmerga, the talks encompassed the broader geopolitical environment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and addressed ongoing German assistance in military restructuring and capacity building.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Tuesday, German military commander Colonel Cooper reiterated Berlin’s enduring support for the Kurdish Peshmerga forces during a meeting with Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Peshmerga, Shoresh Ismail, in Erbil. The meeting, which included a delegation of German military officials, focused on regional security developments and Germany’s continued role in strengthening the Peshmerga through military coordination and institutional reform.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Peshmerga, the talks encompassed the broader geopolitical environment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and addressed ongoing German assistance in military restructuring and capacity building.
Minister Ismail emphasized Germany’s instrumental support delivered via its consulate and through the deployment of military advisors and officers. “Germany has consistently supported the Ministry of Peshmerga, playing a critical role in advancing the reform project and professionalizing the Peshmerga’s military structure,” he said.
Colonel Cooper reaffirmed Germany’s unwavering commitment to its cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, stating: “Our engagement with the Ministry of Peshmerga remains focused on forward progress and consolidating the Peshmerga reform initiative. We are confident the Peshmerga will reach advanced stages in this crucial process.”
Diplomatic Backing Echoed by Germany’s Top Envoy
Colonel Cooper’s remarks echoed those made by Germany’s Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, in an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 English. The ambassador underscored Berlin’s long-standing partnership with the Kurdistan Region and praised the political and economic ties that bind Erbil and Berlin.
Highlighting Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s efforts to resolve longstanding disputes between Erbil and Baghdad—particularly concerning oil exports and budgetary allocations—Ambassador Hohmann noted that such conflicts pose significant barriers to national progress.
When asked about Berlin’s military engagement, Hohmann affirmed that Germany’s support for the Peshmerga remains central to its strategy. “The unification of the Peshmerga forces is crucial to building a unified Kurdistan Region. We share the KRG’s assessment: unification is not yet achieved,” she stated.
She further detailed Germany’s contributions, which include capacity-building programs, specialized training, the provision of military equipment, and support for essential infrastructure, such as the construction of a Peshmerga Clinic.
Towards a Unified and Capable Kurdish Force
Both the diplomatic and military wings of the German government emphasized that a unified Peshmerga is indispensable for long-term peace and security—not only within the Kurdistan Region, but across the wider region.
Germany’s continued commitment serves as a cornerstone of the international effort to institutionalize and modernize the Peshmerga, ensuring that the Kurdish force remains a key pillar of regional stability and an effective partner in the global fight against terrorism.
