Prime Minister Barzani Calls for Continued Support for Peshmerga

On September 11, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with a British military delegation led by Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, the UK’s Senior Defense A

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Wladimir van Wilgenburg

September 11, 2024

On September 11, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with a British military delegation led by Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren, the UK’s Senior Defense Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa.

Both parties stressed the critical need for ongoing support for the peshmerga forces in confronting the threat posed by ISIS and combating terrorism.

According to a readout from the Prime Minister’s office, the discussion also covered the future of the U.S.-led coalition’s mission in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

The meeting, attended by UK Consul General in the Kurdistan Region Andrew Bizley, focused on recent developments in Iraq and the region, enhancing coordination, and improving security and military cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the UK. Additionally, progress in the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs’ reform process was discussed.

The UK delegation also met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

The Kurdistan Region’s presidency in a readout said that the meeting focused on the current situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the recent advancements in the battle against terrorism, particularly concerning the activities of ISIS in both Iraq and Syria.

Both parties agreed that ISIS continues to pose a significant threat to the peace and stability of the region.

“Both sides emphasized the significance of collaboration and cooperation between the peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army, supported by the international coalition in the fight against ISIS. The discussions also touched on the future role of the international coalition in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” the Kurdistan Region Presidency said.

The UK has supported the peshmerga in the fight against ISIS, and has built a strong educational, cultural, trade, and investment relationship with the Kurdistan Region.

The UK – along with Italy, the Netherlands, the United States, and Germany – is a member of the Multi-National Advisory Group, established to bolster the peshmerga reform project, which aims to enhance unity and capability within the peshmerga forces.