Hollande: France will continue supporting Kurdistan Region

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region President on Tuesday met his French counterpart Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

In the meeting, presidents discussed bilateral relations and the developments in the war against the Islamic State (IS), said a Kurdistan24 reporter.

In a joint press conference following the meeting, Hollande reiterated France’s support for the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces, stating that France would continue supporting the Region.

Hollande added that the Peshmerga played a crucial role since the beginning of the war against IS and during the Mosul operation.

Regarding the Kurdistan independence referendum and the position of France on the matter, Hollande refused to comment on what has not happened yet, stating that what is important is keeping the security of the Kurdistan Region.

Hollande added that when the Kurdistan Region was at war with the IS extremists, he visited the Region to express his support for the Region.

On his part, President Barzani said that today’s visit is to reiterate Kurds' appreciation for President Hollande's support.

Barzani stated that during the meeting the war against IS, mutual cooperations, and support for the Peshmerga forces were discussed, adding that "We had a friendly dialogue."

On Jan. 2, 2017, President Hollande visited Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, and met with President Barzani.

While in Kurdistan, Hollande visited French and Peshmerga forces.

Hollande and his delegates received a warm welcome in Erbil where they were greeted by children of the fallen Peshmerga soldiers.

Editing by Ava Homa