Kurdistan Region President Welcomes Estonian Defense Minister, Discusses Security Ties and Regional Developments
Minister Pevkur reiterated Estonia’s commitment to enhancing ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He praised the Kurdistan Region’s role in defeating ISIS and contributing to regional stability, emphasizing his country’s interest in expanding mutual partnerships, the statement revealed.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday welcomed Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur and his accompanying delegation in Erbil to discuss strengthening security cooperation and regional developments.
Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Deputy President of the Kurdistan Region, and Shorsh Ismail, Minister of Peshmerga and Peshmerga Chief of Staff, were present at the meeting. Estonia’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region—particularly in the fields of security and defense cooperation, as well as its role within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS—were discussed during the meeting.
The two sides emphasized Estonia’s role as part of the international coalition against ISIS and the importance of continued collaboration.
According to a statement, published by the Kurdistan Regional Presidency, President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated his gratitude and appreciation for Estonia’s support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts. He also affirmed the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Estonia across all fields.
For his part, Minister Pevkur reiterated Estonia’s commitment to enhancing ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He praised the Kurdistan Region’s role in defeating ISIS and contributing to regional stability, emphasizing his country’s interest in expanding mutual partnerships, the statement revealed.
The two sides also exchanged views on Erbil-Baghdad relations, the situation in Syria, the latest developments in the Middle East, and other key issues of joint concern.
Estonia, a NATO member since 2004, has played an active role in global security efforts, particularly through its contributions to NATO missions and international coalitions. In the Middle East, Estonia has participated in the U.S.-led Global Coalition against ISIS, deploying troops to Iraq to support training and advisory missions aimed at strengthening local security forces.
The Baltic nation has also engaged in diplomatic and defense exchanges with the Kurdistan Region in recent years, including visits by military and political officials, reflecting a shared commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
Estonia's collaboration with the Kurdistan Region underscores its broader approach to international security partnerships and democratic solidarity.
