Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the new British Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Jon Wilks. 

In the meeting, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Ambassador Wilks conveyed the condolences of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the families of victims of the recent earthquake and offered to provide humanitarian assistance to the people affected.

Ambassador Wilks said his country wishes to maintain strong political, economic, and security relations with the Kurdistan Regional Government. He hailed KRG’s efforts to de-escalate tensions with Baghdad and pursue dialogue to resolve outstanding issues and reiterated the UK is ready to provide all assistance to facilitate the start of dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad. Ambassador Wilks also said his country will continue to coordinate with the KRG in the fight against the ideology of ISIS after it is defeated militarily.

Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Ambassador Wilks on assuming his new position as UK’s new Ambassador to Iraq. He reiterated KRG’s readiness to work with him to further strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region and the UK.

Prime Minister Barzani stressed the KRG has always been in favor of serious dialogue and against violence, emphasizing the importance of the role the international community can play in facilitating dialogue.