Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on the evening of February 16.
Both sides discussed the development of historical and friendly relations between France and the Kurdistan Region and the latest developments in the general situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The main topic of this meeting were the reforms of the 9th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government, especially in the field of economic diversification and sources of income, focusing on the agricultural sector and exporting domestic products to foreign markets, especially to Europe.
The Prime Minister thanked the French government and people for their continued support for the Kurdistan Region, especially since France has always supported the Kurdish people in difficult times.
President Macron extended his special greetings and respect to President Masoud Barzani and expressed his country’s willingness to continue to support the Kurdistan Region in all areas.
Both sides also talked about the importance of resolving the issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government in Baghdad in a fundamental manner, based on the constitution. Maintaining security and stability in the Region was another topic of discussion.
Pleased to see President @EmmanuelMacron in the Élysée today.
Together we helped safeguard the world from ISIS. Now we’re building trade and investment ties to sustain our peoples.
France is an ally with a common vision; enhancing our region and the security of Europe -mb. pic.twitter.com/qytdX7kBMc
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) February 16, 2023
Prime Minister Barzani also met with Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, and with Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, during his visit in France.