The UK Minister of State for Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and the United Nations visits the Kurdistan Region.
News : 3/2/2023
Kurdistan Region, www.uk.gov.krd. Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for Middle East
affairs at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, met with the
President of the Federal Republic of Iraq, the Prime Minister, the Foreign
Minister and the Head of National Security, as part of his visit to the region
and the Federal Republic of Iraq.
Lord Ahmad met with Nechirvan Barzani, President of
the Kurdistan Region, and Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan
Regional Government,. In those meetings, the historical relations between the
Kurdistan Region and Britain and how to strengthen them were highlighted.
Issues between Erbil and Baghdad were discussed, stressing that these problems
should be resolved in-line with the Iraqi federal constitution, with both sides
understanding the importance of rapprochement and of the partnership between
the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, especially concerning the
budget and the oil and gas law, as the key to solving issues and building trust
between the two sides. The British Minister of State reaffirmed his country's
commitment to continue supporting Iraq and Kurdistan Region.
On the same day, the Minister of State for Middle
East affairs visited Massoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.
They both praised the historical and stratigic relations between the Kurdistan
Region and Britain, and emphasized the importance of unanimity and unity
between the political parties in the Kurdistan Region. Lord Ahmed stressed that
Britain supports political unity in the Kurdistan Region and will help achieve
that goal.
The Minister of State also met with Bafl Talabani,
President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime
Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government. They focused on developing
better relations between the two sides, and emphasis was placed on stability,
peace, unanimity within the Kurdish house.
During his visit, the British minister was welcomed
by Safeen Dizayee, head of the KRG's Foreign Relations Department. Both parties
discussed bilateral relations and how to expand cooperation between the two
sides in all fields.
Lord Ahmad also visited the Interior Ministry and
was welcomed by Rebar Ahmad the interior minister. The meeting focused on
greater cooperation to eradicate organised crime and pave the way for the
return of Internal Displaced persons IDPs in the Kurdistan Region to their
places of residence and the implementation of the Shangal Agreement.
The British minister visited the KRG's Information
and Technology Office and expressed his amazement at the developments and
achievements of the field, and that he was proud that Britain had supported in
this regard by providing technical assistance to the Kurdistan Region.
The Minister later visited the Lalish temple and
met with the Yezidi Mir (Prince), Hazim Tahsin Said. They discussed the
situation in Shangal and the challenges facing the Yezidis, as well as new laws
to help Yezidi survivors. He also met with Christians and a number of Kurdish
youth.
Lord Ahmed concluded his visit in Duhok province
and discussed with the city's governor, Ali Tater, the importance of supporting
the return of IDPs that the Kurdistan Region has embraced for years.
Kurdistan
2-3rd March 2023