Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received British Chief Military Advisor to the Middle East and the envoy of the British Prime Minister Theresa May, General John Lorimer, accompanied by British Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. John Wilkes, and British Consul-General in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Martin War, and a diplomatic and military delegation.

In the meeting, also attended by Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Chief of Staff to the Kurdistan Region Presidency Dr. Fuad Hussein, and a number of KRG ministers and officials, the delegation valued the achievements and sacrifices of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces in the war against terrorism. They complimented the cooperation and coordination between the Peshmerga and British military advisors.

The delegation also expressed British support in developing and modernizing the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, and stressed interest in strengthening bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and UK.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the  delegation for British military assistance to the Kurdistan Region in the fight against ISIS and welcomed continuation of cooperation and coordination between the two sides.

The situation in the Kurdistan Region in general and relations between the KRG and Iraqi federal government in particular were also discussed and positive developments were appreciated, particularly the resumption of international flights and payment of parts of the KRG salaries. Continuation of dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve all outstanding issues was emphasized.