ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday received the United Kingdom’s newly-appointed ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, reaffirming Erbil’s desire to strengthen ties with London, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
President Barzani welcomed Siddiq and lauded “Britain’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” emphasizing the Region's “desire to strengthen relations and joint cooperation with Britain across various fields,” the statement added.
President Barzani also conveyed the full support of all political entities in the Kurdistan Region for Siddiq in his diplomatic mission.
Ambassador Siddiq, in turn, expressed his pleasure at visiting Erbil and commended the Kurdistan Region's role in promoting “stability and coexistence in Iraq and the wider region.”
He reaffirmed the UK’s “desire to continue and enhance comprehensive cooperation with the Kurdistan Region on the basis of mutual interests.”
In addition to meeting President Barzani, Ambassador Siddiq was also received by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
Erbil and London enjoy long-standing relations.
The UK has played a significant role in training the Kurdish Peshmerga forces during the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) and remains a key contributor to the US-led Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Approximately 1,400 British personnel are reportedly deployed in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq to provide military advisory and support to both the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces.
The UK’s involvement with the Kurdistan Region dates back to 1991, when then-Prime Minister Sir John Major was instrumental in establishing a no-fly zone over northern Iraq. This move provided a safe haven for Kurds fleeing the Ba’athist regime and enabled the Kurds to achieve autonomy. In recognition of his efforts, a street in Erbil was named after Sir John Major in April 2021.
The United Kingdom also maintains strong ties with Iraq in military, security, and other sectors. In 2021, the two countries signed a Strategic Partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in areas such as the economy, education, and culture.
