The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) held key meetings today to discuss the ongoing support from the UK and Germany for the peshmerga forces.
Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Shoresh Ismail, joined by his Deputy Minister, welcomed a UK military advisor team led by Colonel John Foster on September 3.
عربي/ English
— Shoresh Ismail (@Shoreshismail) September 3, 2024
Today, September 3, 2024, we received Colonel John Foster, British Military Advisor in the Kurdistan Region and his accompanying team.@ukinerbil
In the meeting, we discussed the security situation in the region and the Kurdistan Region and the reform process, the… pic.twitter.com/rV1x6do43Q
The discussions centered on the security situation in the Kurdistan Region, the progress of the peshmerga reform process, and the crucial role of UK support in these efforts.
“We praised the continued support of the British people and government through their military and diplomatic advisors who have always supported us at all stages, especially in the reform process of the peshmerga,” Minister Ismail posted on Facebook.
Colonel Foster reiterated the UK’s commitment, emphasizing the importance of establishing a unified defense force. “Building a strong national force will protect the territory of Kurdistan and the region from any threat, both now and in the future. We consider it essential to support you in this endeavor,” he said, according to Minister Ismail.
Moreover, on September 2, Minister Ismail met the outgoing German Consul General Klaus Streicher.
Minister Ismail thanked Streicher for his efforts and the support of the German Consul during his mission in the Kurdistan Region. Moreover, he expressed his appreciation of the support of the German people and government to the KRG, especially to the MoPA.
The German Consul General expressed his happiness during his mission in the Kurdistan Region. He reaffirmed his country’s support for and coordination with the MoPA.
Today, September 2, 2024, on the occasion of the end of his mission, we received Mr. Klaus Streicher, Consul @GermanyInKRI , who visited us to bid farewell.
— Shoresh Ismail (@Shoreshismail) September 2, 2024
In this meeting, we thanked the efforts and support of the German Consul during his mission in the Kurdistan Region. He… pic.twitter.com/PmWRxpYrom
The UK, Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, and Germany are members of the Multi-National Advisory Group, established to bolster the peshmerga reform project, which aims to enhance unity and capability within the peshmerga forces.
Peshmerga troops are split between political factions, with 70 units under the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and 80 units under the Kurdistan Democratic Party.
The goal of the peshmerga reform project is to unite these units as Regional Guard Brigades under the MoPA.
