Continuing his official visit to Germany, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with the Chancellor of Germany, Mr. Olaf Scholz, in Berlin on Monday evening.

The two leaders exchanged views on Germany’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations, and the threats and challenges facing Iraq.

President Nechirvan Barzani thanked Germany for its support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, including military support, economic and development assistance, and humanitarian aid. The President also thanked the German Bundestag for recognizing the crimes of ISIS and the massacre of the Yezidis as genocide.

The President expressed praise for the strong relations of Germany with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, showed delight over the understanding and agreements between the two sides, and hoped that the Kurdistan Region would benefit from them. In this regard, the President expressed full support of the Kurdistan Region for the investment of German companies and their private sector.

The President stressed that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region look forward to a greater role and support from Germany in all areas, especially in helping to overcome the challenges facing Iraq in diversification of economy, maintaining stability, and addressing the threats of climate change.

For his part, Chancellor Scholz thanked President Nechirvan Barzani for his visit and considered it an important opportunity to exchange views on common issues. Mr. Scholz expressed his gratitude for the role of the Kurdistan Region in fighting and defeating ISIS and helping and sheltering the victims. Chansellor Scholz also stressed that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and their peace and stability.

He also stressed Germany’s continued support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and expressed his country’s readiness for joint cooperation in many areas, especially in the field of economy and energy, and in other sectors that are crucial for both sides.

The issue of migration and refugees, the situation in the wider region, and other issues of common interest were also highlighted during the meeting, which was attended by the Iraqi Ambassador to Germany and the Kurdistan Regional Government Representative in Berlin.