Barzani congratulated Bizley on his new role and wished him success in the mission, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region presidency.
“Both sides highlighted the importance of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections and expressed wishes for a successful election process. They also exchanged views on Erbil-Baghdad relations and the most recent developments of the region,” the statement said.
The consul reiterated the UK’s desire and support for boosting relations and enhancing cooperation between the two sides in all fields.
The Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom share long-standing relations.
The UK has helped train the Kurdish Peshmerga during the war on the Islamic State (ISIS) and is part of a team of international allies working on major reforms of the Peshmerga ministry. There are up to 1,400 British personnel in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq providing military assistance and advice to the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces.
In 1991, former British premier Sir John Major played a key role in declaring a no-fly zone in the north of Iraq, providing a safe haven from the Baathist regime that allowed Kurds to gain some autonomy. An Erbil street was named after him in April 2021.
The United Kingdom also shares strong relations with Iraq in the fields of military and security, and signed a Strategic Partnership in 2021, aimed at increasing cooperation in economy, education, culture, and other sectors.
