Kurdistan Region President discusses mutual cooperation with his counterpart
In addition to expressing his appreciation for Austria's ongoing support and assistance in Iraq and Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Region President commended Austria's participation in the international coalition against ISIS and its preparedness.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday discussed mutual cooperation with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in Vienna, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
“Both leaders praised the longstanding history and current state of their relations, highlighting developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They emphasized the importance of the Erbil-Baghdad dialogue in addressing issues in accordance with the Constitution. Additionally, they discussed federalism and the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region,” the statement read.
In addition to expressing his appreciation for Austria's ongoing support and assistance in Iraq and Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Region President commended Austria's participation in the international coalition against ISIS and its preparedness. As Austrian president, Van der Bellen reaffirmed his nation's unwavering support for Kurdistan's rights.
During the meeting, both sides also discussed the status and rights of the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi communities. They agreed that the international community should provide assistance to the Yezidis in Iraq.
The discussion, which included the Iraqi Ambassador and the Kurdistan Regional Government Representative in Austria, also focused on the connections between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with neighboring countries, climate change, and the importance of extensive collaboration to tackle its threats.
In September 2023, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg visited Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, where he met with top Kurdish leaders, including Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
Following decades of closure, the chief diplomat inaugurated his country’s diplomatic mission in Baghdad again. The country is also set to establish its honorary consul in Erbil.
In Dec. 2006, the country’s Austria Airlines was the first European airline to operate direct flights between Erbil and Vienna.
I’m delighted to meet Austrian President @vanderbellen today in Vienna. We highlighted the historical ties between the Kurdistan Region and Austria and discussed strengthening our partnership. I expressed my gratitude for Austria’s ongoing support to Iraq and the Kurdistan… pic.twitter.com/MGjX29gcLd
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) July 2, 2024
