On Sunday, August 9, President Masoud Barzani received Holly Vare, the newly appointed UK Consul General in Erbil, and underlined the strong relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the new Iraqi government led by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Vare assumed her duties in August 2026, succeeding Andrew Bizley.

During the meeting, Vare expressed her pleasure at meeting President Barzani and beginning her duties as the UK’s new consul in the Kurdistan Region. She said she would continue efforts to maintain and strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region and the UK.

Vare also expressed her admiration for the development and progress the Kurdistan Region has witnessed across various sectors.

President Barzani welcomed Vare to the Kurdistan Region and wished her success in her new duties. He also reaffirmed his readiness to provide the necessary support to help her carry out her responsibilities successfully.

The meeting also focused on Iraq’s political situation and relations between the KRG and the federal government.

President Barzani said relations between the KRG and the Iraqi federal government headed by Prime Minister al-Zaidi were at a “very good” stage, with a high level of understanding and coordination between the two governments.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also received Consul General Vare, congratulating her on her appointment and wishing her success. During their meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.