Prime Minister Masrour Barzani receives Finnish Ambassador to Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today met with the Finnish Ambassador to Iraq, Vesa Häkkinen, to discuss expanding bilateral relations and recent developments in the region.

The Ambassador noted his country’s appreciation for the role of the Kurdistan Region in combatting terrorism and defeating ISIS, and reaffirmed Finland’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani thanked Finland for its ongoing support to the Kurdistan Region, and the two officials discussed ways for Kurdistan and Finland to develop bilateral ties and foster investments. They also highlighted efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government in resolving outstanding issues with the Federal Government of Iraq on the basis of the constitution and the entitlements of the Kurdistan Region’s share of the 2021 federal budget.

Both sides discussed the upcoming Iraqi elections, the importance of implementing the Shingal Agreement and the withdrawal of militias and illegal armed forces in the region, as well as the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the effects of the pandemic.