PM Barzani receives outgoing French ambassador to Iraq

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday received the outgoing French Ambassador to Iraq Éric Chevalier in Erbil, according to a statement.

The premier extended his appreciation to the diplomat for his efforts in Iraq to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two nations and wished him success in his new endeavor, according to a press release from Barzani’s office.

Ambassador Chevalier appreciated the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cooperation with the French embassy and consulate general.

The officials stressed the importance of protecting the stability and security of the Kurdistan Region, per the statement.

They agreed that Iraq should uphold democratic principles, and federalism, and respect and honor the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional rights.

French Consul General Yann Braem attended the meeting as well.

Erbil and Paris share close economic, cultural, and political ties. The two capitals are sister cities.

As an integral part of the US-led coalition against ISIS, France has provided the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces with training as well as air support in the Kurdish forces’ fight against the terror group between 2014 and 2017.

Earlier in July, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu visited the Kurdistan Region and met with Kurdish leadership, stressing cooperation on the lingering threat of ISIS.