President Masoud Barzani held a meeting with Mark Bryson-Richardson, the British Ambassador to Iraq, in Salahaddin on Thursday. The meeting, also attended by British Consul in Erbil, Ms. Rosy Cave, focused on various aspects, including the political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq, and the upcoming Iraqi provincial council elections.

Discussions centered on the need to resolve outstanding issues between the KRG and the Federal Government. Both parties acknowledged the importance of maintaining dialogue and working towards a resolution that benefits both sides. The upcoming Iraqi provincial council elections were also a topic of conversation, with an agreement reached that the elections in the Kurdistan Region should proceed smoothly, without any obstacles, to protect legitimacy and strengthen the democratic process.

The meeting also touched upon the internal situation in Kurdistan, emphasizing the significance of upholding legitimacy and further strengthening the democratic process within the region. Both President Barzani and the British Ambassador expressed their shared commitment to fostering a conducive environment for free and fair elections.

The discussion further expanded to include the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom. Ambassador Bryson-Richardson highlighted the friendship and alliance between the UK and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the UK's enduring support. President Barzani, acknowledging the longstanding relations between the Kurdish people and the UK, called for deepening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

As the meeting concluded, the outgoing British Ambassador bid farewell to President Barzani. President Barzani expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Bryson-Richardson's efforts during his tenure and extended his best wishes for success in his future endeavors.

The meeting between President Barzani and Ambassador Bryson-Richardson underscored the importance of continued cooperation, dialogue, and strengthened relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom. It highlighted mutual interests in resolving outstanding issues within Iraq, fostering democratic processes, and promoting regional stability.