EU Envoy Meets President Barzani, Affirms Commitment to Kurdistan Region’s Stability and Progress

By Dler Mohammed

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani on Sunday received Radu Butum, Head of the European Union Liaison Office in Erbil, at his headquarters in Pirmam to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

According to a statement from Barzani’s office, Butum expressed the EU’s appreciation for the Kurdistan Region’s ongoing stability and the strong coordination between the EU office and both official and non-governmental institutions in the Region. He also delivered a briefing on the EU's perspective regarding the Kurdistan Region, reiterating the bloc’s commitment to supporting its continued stability, economic advancement, and improved quality of life for its citizens.

During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on the latest developments in the wider region, particularly the future of Kurds in Syria and the peace process in Turkey. Butum commended President Barzani’s pivotal role in fostering unity among Syrian Kurdish factions and supporting peaceful political solutions in Turkey.

The European Union has maintained strong ties with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, particularly through humanitarian, development, and political cooperation. The EU Liaison Office in Erbil plays a key role in coordinating aid, fostering dialogue, and strengthening institutional partnerships in the region.

President Barzani, as a central figure in Kurdish politics and a longtime advocate for Kurdish unity and rights across the region, has often served as a bridge in intra-Kurdish negotiations, especially concerning Syrian Kurds. His leadership and regional influence continue to be recognized by international partners like the European Union.

This visit underscores the EU’s strategic interest in a stable and democratic Kurdistan Region, seen as a critical partner in a region often marked by instability and conflict.