Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani today in Berlin met Germany’s Minister of Defence, Ursula von der Leyen.

In the meeting, also attended by Deputy KRG Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen praised the role of the Kurdistan Peshmerga Forces in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS and commended Peshmerga’s cooperation and partnership with the international anti-ISIS coalition. She reaffirmed her country’s position to continue supporting the Peshmerga Forces.

Ms. Ursula von der Leyen expressed her concern regarding the tension between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government in Baghdad and hoped both sides resolve their differences though dialogue.

Prime Minster Barzani thanked Ms. Ursula von der Leyen for the military and humanitarian assistance that Germany provided the Kurdistan Region in the war against terrorism.

He reiterated KRG’s desire to strengthen its relations with Germany in all fields of cooperation.

On the internal situation, Prime Minister Barzani indicated that the Kurdistan Region will be ready to hold general elections soon.

On the tensions with the Iraqi federal government, he stressed that the Kurdistan Region is ready to hold talks with Baghdad to settle all disputes within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution. He noted that Germany and other friendly countries can play a role in pushing Baghdad towards easing the tensions and resolving the issues.

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated Kurdistan Region’s support, cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism.