Prime Minister Masrour Barzani spoke yesterday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian about the migrant situation on the border between Poland and Belarus. They also exchanged views on US engagement in the Middle East.

Speaking about the migrant issue, both leaders described it as an organised smuggling operation to advance a political dispute. Prime Minister Barzani noted the return of hundreds of migrants who had become victims of the criminal networks in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and beyond. The Prime Minister emphasized KRG’s continued readiness to support voluntary returns. He urged Foreign Minister Le Drian to help facilitate humanitarian relief for the families stranded on the border.

Foreign Minster Le Drian commended measures by the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government to disrupt the criminal networks. He also welcomed Prime Minister Barzani’s prompt interventions with Baghdad and European member states.

Prime Minister Barzani and Foreign Minister Le Drian agreed to have a technical team from Paris visit the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad to explore additional measures.

They agreed to stay in close contact.