Kurdistan Region President, Finland’s Iraq envoy address bilateral relations

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Sunday received Finnish Ambassador to Iraq Anu Saarela, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency office.

During their discussion, the two sides expressed mutual dedication to strengthening relations and broadening cooperation between Finland, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region across multiple sectors. 

The President and Ambassador Saarela also discussed the political and security situation, stressing the significance of upholding peace and stability in Iraq.

Moreover, the President expressed the Kurdistan Region's gratitude for Finland's participation in the International Coalition against ISIS. Additionally, he commended Finland for its support in combating terrorism in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, especially towards the Scandinavian country’s current garrison in Erbil. 

Furthermore, the meeting deliberated on the impact and repercussions of the conflict in Ukraine, the most recent advancements in the tensions prevailing in the Middle East, and the continuing warfare in Gaza, among other regional conflicts.

Finland is a partner of the 86-member Coalition against ISIS in Iraq that has been advising and assisting the Iraqi army and Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces in the fight against the terror group, whose self-styled caliphate was toppled in 2017.

It is one of several Scandinavian and European countries that has attempted to facilitate the return of migrants back to their place of origin, with Iraq being a large contributor to what the former has deemed "weaponized migration” by Russia.

Notably, Finland does not have a consulate in the Kurdistan Region.

Editing by Dastan Muwaffaq