PM Barzani, Boris Johnson address Kurdistan Region-UK ties

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday met with former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on developments in Iraq and the region, as well as the development of relations between the Kurdistan Region and the UK.

The former UK Prime Minister stated that the Kurdistan Region has made many sacrifices to defend its rights and that the international community should support the Kurdish people's rights. "Kurdistan has always held a special place in my heart and I will continue to support you," Johnson said.

Johnson also emphasized the need for direct flights between Erbil and London.

Moreover, as part of his remarks, Prime Minister Barzani thanked the UK for continuing to support the Kurdistan Region, highlighted the changes in Iraq and the region, and stressed the need to protect the Kurdish people's rights.

Furthermore, Barzani also emphasized the need to respect the constitutional structure of the region to maintain peace and security.

As an integral part of the 86-member Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, the UK has been assisting the Kurdish and Iraqi forces in the fight against the terror group, whose self-styled caliphate was brought down in 2017 in the country.

A number of Kurdish cadres have been provided opportunities by London to study at the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, including two female Peshmerga officers.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani thanks former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson for visiting and giving a speech. Barzani then gifted Johnson Kurdish honey and pomegranates. #MEPS23 pic.twitter.com/UwptiUQWKA

— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) November 20, 2023