Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Ms. Tone Allers, Norway's new ambassador to Iraq and Jordan, and her accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Allers commended the Kurdistan Regional Government for having accommodated and protected a large number of displaced people and refugees, who fled violence and conflict, and took refuge in the Kurdistan Region, despite the challenges. She also highly valued the peaceful coexistence among various communities and the religious tolerance which prevail in the Kurdistan Region.

She reiterated her country's support to the Kurdistan Region.

The current situation in Iraq and Kurdistan, and the recent talks between the KRG and Iraq's federal government, were also discussed. In this regard, Ambassador Allers expressed her country's support for serious negotiations for the settlement of all outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad on the basis of the Iraqi federal constitution.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the Norwegian government for its humanitarian and military assistance to the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, Prime Minister Barzani stressed his government's stance of supporting serious dialogue and negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues with Baghdad. He expressed his hope for the continuation of the talks started recently between the two sides.