French FM: Peshmerga, French Forces Played Key Role in Defeating ISIS
He emphasized that France and the Kurdistan Region have consistently stood together during difficult times, particularly amid rising tensions in Syria and the wider region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday praised the Peshmerga forces and the French military for their decisive role in defeating ISIS, highlighting the depth of cooperation between France and the Kurdistan Region.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Barrot said the municipality of Paris has named a pathway in honor of the Peshmerga as a tribute to their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
“In 2014, former French President François Hollande became the first French president to visit Erbil,” Barrot said. “Today, we commemorate all the martyrs who gave their lives in the struggle against terrorists.”
He emphasized that France and the Kurdistan Region have consistently stood together during difficult times, particularly amid rising tensions in Syria and the wider region.
“We coordinate closely to confront challenges together, and I thank the Kurdistan Regional Government for its constructive role,” Barrot said. “We are here to implement our agreements with the aim of building a unified, sovereign, and peaceful Syria. The Kurds must play an active role in shaping Syria’s future, just as they do in Iraq.”
The French foreign minister also acknowledged the security threats facing the Kurdistan Region, reaffirming France’s commitment to continued cooperation and support.
“We thank the Kurdish people for their trust,” he said. “Our relations with the Kurdistan Region are comprehensive, spanning economic, cultural, and environmental fields. These are real, tangible ties that directly benefit the Kurdish people.”
On relations between Erbil and Baghdad, Barrot stressed the importance of dialogue, urging both sides to resolve outstanding issues through negotiations. He added that he would meet President Masoud Barzani on Friday to discuss regional challenges.
Concluding his remarks, Barrot recalled a historical gesture underscoring the long-standing ties between France and the Kurdish leadership. “In 1968, Mullah Mustafa Barzani sent a letter to Charles de Gaulle congratulating him on France’s National Day, describing France’s celebration as an inspiration for other nations,” he said.