Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a series of meetings this week with Western ambassadors to enhance bilateral relations and discuss recent political developments.

Prime Minister Barzani first received Daniel Krebber, Germany’s new Ambassador to Iraq, in Erbil. He congratulated Ambassador Krebber on assuming his new role and wished him success, reaffirming the KRG’s full support for strengthening ties with Germany, the KRG readout said.

Ambassador Krebber reiterated Germany’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across a range of sectors, particularly in agriculture and tourism.

They discussed Germany’s ongoing support of the Peshmerga, the electoral process for the Iraqi Council of Representatives elections, and broader developments in Iraq and the region.

Prime Minister Barzani also congratulated Klemens Semtner, the new EU Ambassador to Iraq, and reiterated the KRG’s full support for advancing relations with the EU and its member states. Semtner previously served as Germany’s General Consul in Erbil.

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On Wednesday, Prime Minister Barzani discussed strengthening the economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and Italy with Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq Niccolo Fontana.

The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad, the importance of EU engagement in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani likewise met with several key diplomats this week, including Italy’s Ambassador Fontana, Canada’s Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Boehm, Germany’s Ambassador Krebber, and EU Ambassador Semtner.

In his meeting with Ambassador Fontana, President Barzani underlined the significance of the relationship between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, expressing appreciation for Italy’s continued support and assistance.

Ambassador Fontana reaffirmed that Italy places great importance on its relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, expressing a desire to further enhance cooperation across all sectors.

Furthermore, during talks with Ambassador Boehm, President Barzani discussed relations between Canada, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the upcoming Iraqi elections and efforts to form a new KRG cabinet. 

Both officials emphasized the importance of strengthening Canada’s relations with the Kurdistan Region.

In his meeting with Ambassador Krebber, President Barzani congratulated the envoy on his new post, expressing gratitude for Germany’s long-standing support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Ambassador Krebber thanked the President for his warm reception and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to continued cooperation, particularly in the economic field.

President Barzani also received EU Ambassador Semtner and his accompanying delegation. He congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and expressed appreciation for the EU’s assistance and engagement in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Both officials reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation in economic development, governance, and democratic processes, while also reviewing ongoing efforts to form a new KRG cabinet and current regional developments.

Through these meetings, the Kurdistan Region’s leadership reaffirmed its active diplomatic engagement and commitment to strengthening partnerships with key Western partners, focusing on bilateral relations, the upcoming Iraqi elections, the regional situation, and the government formation in the Kurdistan Region.