Kurdistan President, EU Ambassador Discuss Stronger Cooperation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Sunday thanked the European Union for its continued support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as senior EU representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations and expanding cooperation.

According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Kurdistan Region President Barzani received Klemens Semtner, the European Union's ambassador to Iraq, on Sunday in Erbil.

The meeting was also attended by Stefan Wendt, the newly appointed head of the EU Office in Erbil.

Region's President Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region's gratitude for the EU's supportive role and continued assistance, highlighting the importance of the relationship between European institutions and the Region.

He also congratulated Wendt on assuming his new responsibilities in Erbil, expressing his support and wishing him success in his mission.

Semtner, for his part, reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to supporting both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

He said the EU remained interested in further developing its relations with the Kurdistan Region and continuing cooperation and assistance across multiple fields.

The talks also covered the domestic political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, according to the Presidency's readout.

Both sides additionally reviewed the latest developments across the wider region.

The meeting comes as the Kurdistan Region continues to maintain close engagement with European partners on political, institutional, security and development issues.

The presence of the EU's new representative in Erbil also signals continuity in the bloc's direct engagement with the Kurdistan Region.

Sunday's talks underscored the shared interest in maintaining that cooperation while monitoring political and regional developments affecting both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.