Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani hosts the Ambassador of the Netherlands, discusses economic reform and key regional issues

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani today received the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Eric Strating, and Consul General in Erbil, Willem Nicolaas Cosijn.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani updated Ambassador Strating on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s ongoing and ambitious reform agenda, including efforts to diversify the Kurdistan Region’s economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani welcomed the Dutch government’s support of the KRG’s reforms and thanked them for sharing their rich experience, notably in the agricultural sector.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Netherlands, exploring opportunities to boost the Kurdistan Region’s private sector in a mutually beneficial way.

Following a discussion of regional issues, Ambassador Strating praised the Kurdistan Region for continuing to host 1.1 million refugees and displaced people who have fled conflict and persecution.

Deputy Prime Minister Talabani reiterated calls for the international community to provide additional support to the Kurdistan Region as it faces a new influx of refugees from Syria, warning of the heightened demand for life-saving aid during the winter season.