Kurdistan PM, French Ambassador Discuss Strengthening Ties and Upholding Constitutional Rights
Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the significance of respecting the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region and ensuring the fair and legal distribution of financial entitlements and public resources owed to the Kurdish people.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday welcomed French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Durel in Erbil for talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing key political challenges facing Iraq and the broader region.
The meeting, also attended by French Consul General Yann Braem, included a broad exchange of views on regional developments and ways to further deepen cooperation between France and the Kurdistan Region. Both sides reiterated the importance of advancing their mutual partnership, particularly in areas of economic development, security, and institutional reform.
A central theme of the discussions was the need to resolve the ongoing disputes between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraq’s federal government. Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the significance of respecting the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region and ensuring the fair and legal distribution of financial entitlements and public resources owed to the Kurdish people.
The two officials also agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and long-term security across the region. Both the KRG and France reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperation and dialogue as essential tools for overcoming political and security challenges.
The Kurdistan Region and France enjoy a historically close and strategic relationship, marked by deep political, cultural, and humanitarian ties. France was among the first countries to support the Kurdish people during times of crisis, notably during the 1991 refugee exodus and the fight against ISIS, where it provided both military assistance and humanitarian aid.
The French government has consistently advocated for the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region within a unified Iraq and has maintained high-level diplomatic engagement with Kurdish leaders. This enduring partnership is further reflected in strong economic cooperation, educational exchange programs, and a visible French cultural presence in the region.
