On September 14, President Nechirvan Barzani received in Erbil a delegation of the Social Democratic Party members of the German Parliament headed by Mr. Nils Schmid.
In the meeting, attended by the Minister of Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Germany’s bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region was discussed as well as the mission of the German forces within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS in the country. Discussions also covered the political situation in Iraq, the relations between Baghdad and Erbil, the status of the economy, the private sector, democratic practices, human rights and civil liberties in the Kurdistan Region.
President Nechirvan Barzani stressed that ISIS in Iraq and Syria is still a real threat. The President stated that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region continue to need international assistance to eradicate terrorism and expressed hope that the German parliament will decide on the extension of its troop deployment in the country in October this year. The President also expressed the gratitude of the Kurdistan Region for Germany’s humanitarian and military assistance and reiterated that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region need European support for the development of their institutions, strengthening of democratic principles and promoting human rights and liberties.
The guest delegation expressed their country’s appreciation for the role of the Kurdistan Region and the heroism of the Peshmerga in defeating ISIS, showing their admiration for the progress and prosperity of the Kurdistan Region, and commending the reconstruction process after the defeat of terrorism. They also reaffirmed the friendship and partnership of Germany with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and underlined that the peace and stability of Iraq is important for the wider region. Discussions also focused on the coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmarga forces, the developments in the wider region and other issues of mutual interest.