Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Frank Baker, British Ambassador to Iraq, and his accompanying delegation as he bid farewell to the Region.

Ambassador Baker expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Barzani, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the people of the Kurdistan Region for their assistance to the British Embassy. He noted that since the early 1990s he has had a strong affiliation and friendship with the Kurdistan Region.

To end tension and violence in the Region, Ambassador Baker stressed his country will seriously seek to normalize the current situation by helping to prepare the ground for serious dialogue and negotiation between Erbil and Baghdad based on the Iraqi Constitution.

Prime Minister Barzani wished Ambassador Baker success in his new duties and also called on him and the British Government to play an active role in building a productive atmosphere for dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad.

Prime Minister Barzani said that from the outset the Kurdistan Regional Government expressed readiness to hold serious dialogue and negotiation with Baghdad to address divisive issues, and rejected threats and military responses.

He said, Baghdad should have practiced self-restraint and tried to resolve the issues through negotiation. He added that despite what happened, the KRG is ready to begin serious dialogue with Baghdad and welcomes any role the international community may play in facilitating the process.

The latest political and humanitarian situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq were also discussed.