President Nechirvan Barzani warned today that the latest terror attacks by ISIS endanger peace and stability in Iraq and in the wider region and pose genuine threats to global security. Therefore, the assistance of the international community and the support from the global coalition to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region need to be strengthened while Iraq and its partners take stronger steps together to confront and eliminate terrorism.

During his meeting with Mr. Eric Chevallier, France’s Ambassador to Iraq in Erbil on Sunday evening, President Nechirvan Barzani underlined that correcting the political process in Iraq and ensuring political stability are now urgent priorities to face terrorism and to completely defeat ISIS.

At the meeting, attended by Mr. Olivier Decottignies, France’s Consul General in Erbil along with officials from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the latest political and security developments in Iraq, the recent parliamentary elections in the country and the election results, the future steps to form the new Cabinet of the Iraqi federal government, and strengthening the relations of France with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region were highlighted.

Both sides agreed that confronting terrorism and defeating ISIS need collaboration and coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmarga forces with continued support from the international coalition to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Ambassador Chevallier offered his condolences to the families of the fallen Peshmarga heroes and innocent civilians, reaffirming the continued support of his country to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

On the formation of the next Iraqi government, both sides reiterated the importance of a government that meets the expectations of citizens, brings together Iraq’s all forces and communities and addresses the grievances and demands of people for better livelihood and stronger peace. They underlined that the next government must face the current and future challenges and take part in preserving peace and stability in the wider region.

Discussions also focused on the Erbil-Baghdad relations, developments in the Kurdistan Region, the importance of unity among Kurdistani factions and their broader partnership in Baghdad, the COVID-19 pandemic and its ramifications, the status of the migrants and refugees in Belarus and Poland, the situation in Nineveh Plains and in Shingal, France’s role and presence in the wider region, the latest developments in Syria and other topics of mutual interest.