Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Eric Chevallier, the incoming Ambassador of France to Iraq, in Erbil on Saturday.

The President congratulated Mr. Chevallier on assuming the office and wished him success in his new mission as the new Ambassador of France. The President presented a brief overview of the political situation in the country, the upcoming elections and the future of the political process in Iraq, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the threats of ISIS and the challenges facing the country.

Mutual readiness to expand Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s relations with France was affirmed and both sides agreed that France and the international community can play a vital role in the resolution of differences and preserving stability in Iraq, which will lead to regional peace and stability.

At the meeting, also attended by France’s Consul General in Erbil, investment opportunities for French businesses in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation in Syria and the wider region were highlighted.