President Nechirvan Barzani received today [on Wednesday] in Erbil the Ambassador of the European Union in Iraq, Mr. Ville Varjola.

In the meeting, Mr. Variola introduced Anders Wiberg as new Head of mission for the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) to President Nechirvan Barzani and highlighted the program, work and activities of the EU team in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and explained the European Union’s aim to expand its activities. Mr. Variola also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of President Nechirvan Barzani and his vision and initiation to solve the problems of the country through dialogue and understanding.

For his Part, President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated the new Head of Mission of the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) on assuming the office and wished him success. He also expressed his appreciation for the role and activities of the European Union and its establishments in the country, and emphasized on the importance of the cooperation and support of the European Union to develop democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, and other areas of importance.

President Nechirvan Barzani presented a brief overview of the political situation in the country and affirmed that without dialogue, negotiation, and responsibility, the problems of Iraq will not be solved. Therefore, all Iraqi forces, parties and communities must see political stability as their main task and priority for this purpose.

Discussions also covered the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the developments in the Kurdistan Region, the upcoming elections, and the expansion of the European Union office in the Kurdistan Region.