Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Ambassador of The Netherlands to Iraq Mr. Matthijs Wolters, and the Dutch Consul General to Erbil Ms. Janet Alberda.

Ambassador Wolters complimented the efforts of Prime Minister Barzani in overcoming the difficult circumstances facing the Kurdistan Region and hoped for the start of dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are important to the new Dutch coalition government, which will continue their work with Baghdad and Erbil.

Prime Minister Barzani briefed the guest delegation about the political and financial situation of the Kurdistan Region and the efforts the Kurdistan Regional Government is making to overcome political and financial issues.  He highlighted the 2018 Iraqi draft budget bill in which the Kurdistan Region's share was reduced substantially and unilaterally.

He hoped to further strengthen bilateral relations with The Netherlands.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the important role the international community can play in facilitating dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad. He reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region's willingness in initiating serious dialogue with Baghdad based on the Iraqi Constitution. In addition, he reiterated the negative effects the flight ban has had on delivering humanitarian assistance to displaced people, which hindered activities of international organizations and prevented medical evacuation of those requiring superior treatment abroad, including injured Peshmerga.