PM Barzani receives UK delegation

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today received a high-level UK government delegation led by Defence Senior Adviser on the Middle East, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer.

The UK delegation congratulated PM Barzani on the formation of the new government and highlighted the first visit of the new KRG delegation to Baghdad this week.

Both sides discussed the importance of continued support from the UK and the Coalition to the Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region.

PM Barzani discussed his plans to integrate and modernise the Kurdistan Region’s armed forces, making clear that this was a priority for the new government. In this regard, the PM urged the UK to support this effort.

On Erbil-Baghdad relations, PM Barzani stated that committees from both sides will soon start talks to explore solutions to the long-term disputes, emphasising that the constitution would be the basis of all engagement with Baghdad.

Both sides also agreed on the importance of continued coordination of efforts to counter Islamic State (IS) activities in Iraq.

The UK Ambassador to Iraq, Jon Wilks, and Consul-General in Erbil, James Thornton, were also in the meeting.