ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Friday held multiple meetings with European, Gulf, and Arab officials, discussing developments in Syria and Erbil’s regional influence on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
He met with European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen to discuss regional developments and ways to expand bilateral ties and joint cooperation.
The meeting saw the two discuss developments in Iraq, Kurdistan Region, as well as evolving events in Syria. Von Der Leyen highlighted Barzani’s “interesting” take on the situation in Syria and the region as a whole and she reiterated the European Union’s appreciation for the “role of the Kurdistan Region and the heroism of the Peshmerga in fighting and defeating the Islamic State (ISIS),” according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
Barzani expressed his “appreciation to the EU and its member states for their continued support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” according to the statement, which added that in addition to touching on the challenges facing the Middle East, “ways to further strengthen our partnership” were also on the agenda.
The Kurdistan Region’s president also met with several Gulf officials on the first day of the conference.
He discussed bilateral relations with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, focusing on the evolving situation in the Middle East and “the fate of Kurds and other constituents in Syria,” read a statement from Barzani’s office.
Barzani stressed the need to “preserve the rights of Kurds and other ethnic and religious groups in Syria and involve them in building the future Syria,” according to the statement.
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties between Erbil and Doha.
Later on the same day, Barzani met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Ahmad al-Abdullah al-Ahmad al-Sabah to discuss the situation in Iraq, Syria, and the region. A statement from the Kurdistan Region’s Presidency said that they discussed Kuwait's relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the domestic situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as relations between Erbil and Baghdad.
Barzani and al-Sabah praised the historical relations between Kuwait and the Kurdistan Region and emphasized the importance of expanding joint cooperation in all fields. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining security and stability and avoiding regional conflicts and tensions.
They also discussed the situation in Syria, with both Barzani and Sabah stressing the importance of security and stability and safeguarding the rights of all constituents in the country, according to the statement. They also touched on the continued fight against terrorism and the threats and dangers posed by ISIS.
Barzani also met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani and exchanged views on developments in the region, emphasizing the Kurdistan Region’s role in promoting stability, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency. They discussed expanding cooperation between Erbil and Manama in economy and politics.
Zayani highlighted the Kurdistan Region's role in maintaining security and stability in the region and discussed the situation in Syria, according to the Kurdish statement.
Additionally, Barzani met with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi. The two discussed Amman-Erbil relations, enhancing cooperation, and the latest developments in Syria and the region. Barzani highlighted Jordan’s influential role in supporting regional stability and reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s desire for closer cooperation, according to a statement from his office.
Safadi praised the Kurdistan Region's “role in the stability of Iraq and the wider region and stressed the importance of continued dialogue and joint cooperation to address regional challenges,” the statement read. The security and political developments in Syria and the region, as well as other matters of mutual interest, were also key topics of the meeting.
Speaking to Rudaw’s Alla Shally, Safadi stated that he “relayed the regards” of Jordan’s King Abdullah to the Kurdistan Region’s president.
“I asserted the strength of the bond between Jordan and Iraq including the Kurdistan Region,” Safadi said, lauding the ties between Amman and Erbil as “exceptional, brotherly and historic.”
Barzani arrived in Germany on Thursday evening to attend the MSC. During the three-day conference, he is expected to hold multiple meetings with senior officials to discuss the foreign relations, regional developments, and shared viewpoints.
The Munich Security Conference, held annually since 1963, is a leading global event attracting prominent international figures to discuss major security challenges and risks. The conference began on Friday.
