President Nechirvan Barzani received today the Ambassador of Switzerland to Iraq and Jordan, Mr. Lukas Gasser, and his accompanying delegation in Erbil.

Discussions focused on Switzerland’s bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and the importance of reopening the Swiss Embassy in Baghdad.

The political process and the situation in the country were highlighted and both sides agreed that religious and ethnic diversities in Iraq are the strengths of the country. It was underlined that all Iraqi factions and parties need to come together for the best interests of the country and reach a common understanding about the political process in Iraq. They also discussed the formation of the new Iraqi government which needs to bring all communities and parties closer together, strengthen the political stability, safeguard the Iraqi interests and be able to face the current challenges.

President Nechirvan Barzani reaffirmed the importance of stability in Iraq, and the collective efforts to resolve the pending disputes, especially Erbil-Baghdad differences which require political will and decision-making. The President underscored the significance of the constitution and the federal system in the country and said that Iraq continues to need international community’s support to confront challenges ahead.

Other topics of discussion included the regional developments, the bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the neighboring countries and other issues of mutual interest.