KRG Advocacy Coordinator Holds Meeting with MEP Özlem Demirel

On 11 December 2025, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Coordinator for International Advocacy, Dindar Zebari, met with Özlem Demirel, Member of the European Parliament, with KRG Representative to the EU Dilawar Ajgeiy in attendance. The discussion focused on shared values, political engagement, and opportunities for strengthened cooperation.

Zebari outlined the Kurdistan Region’s experience with self-governance, its support for more than two million refugees and IDPs, and its contributions to counterterrorism. He highlighted ongoing human rights and legislative reforms, including protections for women, journalists, and religious minorities, as well as progress in transitional justice and efforts to rescue Yezidi survivors of ISIS captivity.

He also noted the wider security pressures affecting the Region, including cross-border attacks, threats from elements of the PMF, and unresolved issues with the Federal Government over governance, disputed territories, and budgetary matters. Humanitarian and security challenges in the Shangal area, particularly displacement caused by armed groups, were also discussed.

Both Ms. Demirel and Zebari agreed on the need for continued cooperation and dialogue to support stability, protect human rights, and promote peaceful approaches to regional challenges.