“They discussed strengthening Germany’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations, parliamentary elections, the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, developments in Syria, and the latest Middle East developments,” said a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
During the meeting, Barzani thanked Germany for its “continuous” military, political, and humanitarian support to Erbil and Baghdad, stressing the Kurdistan Region’s desire to expand ties with Berlin.
Lindner also praised the Kurdistan Region’s voting process and the high turnout of the October 20 parliamentary elections, and both sides discussed the latest steps in forming the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
With military bases in Baghdad and Erbil, the German forces have been an essential member of the coalition that was established in October 2014 after the Islamic State (ISIS) ISIS took control of vast swathes of territories in Iraq and Syria.
German troops are also in Iraq as part of NATO’s mission, which focuses on security sector reforms.
In September, the German government requested parliamentary authorization to prolong its military presence in Iraq with the deployment of 500 soldiers until January 31, 2026.
In October, the German parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of the request to extend Berlin’s military mission in Iraq for another 15 months.
President Barzani welcomed the decision at the time.
In December, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Erbil, meeting President Barzani and stressing that Berlin’s aid to the Kurdistan Region will continue.
