Prime Minister Barzani discusses regional tensions and economic opportunities with world leaders during second day of Munich Security Conference
Munich, Germany (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today continued meeting counterparts, senior ministers and officials from around the world at the Munich Security Conference.
In the morning, Prime Minister Barzani's meetings included discussions with US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper; Kuwait's Prime Minister, Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah; and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Later on, the Prime Minister met Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Arab League's Secretary General; Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte; Ayman Safadi, Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs; Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Al-Hakim and National Security Advisor Falih al-Fayyadh; Harit Singh Sajjan, Canada's Minister of National Defense; and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
He also met a US Congressional delegation led by Senator Lindsey Graham, as well as delegations from the German parliament.
Throughout the day, a commonly discussed priority was the ongoing support provided by the United States and other allies in maintaining the Global Coalition's fight against ISIS.
Prime Minister Barzani stressed that the recent changes to ISIS' leadership have not reduced the threat posed by the terrorists. Kurdistan needs the support of its allies to protect its borders, while improving regional security, so growing numbers of people can live their lives in peace.
Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Secretary Esper commented: "I reaffirmed the US commitment to our defense relationship and recognized the KRG as a reliable, capable partner in our effort to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS."
Other important discussions concerned the need to de-escalate tensions in Syria, while working towards a permanent political settlement that respects the rights of all Syria's peoples, including the Kurds.
In his meetings with regional partners, Prime Minister Barzani called for stronger trade links with Kurdistan and greater assistance in looking after internally displaced peoples. He also highlighted the importance of a united approach in promoting stability and tackling ISIS.
On economic matters, Prime Minister Barzani focused on Kurdistan's desire to develop stronger international trading relations, and highlighted the growing investment opportunities for regional and overseas businesses within the Kurdistan Region.