Kurdistan Region and Iran Discuss Implementation of Security Agreement in Geneva Meeting
The Minister of Interior for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Reber Ahmed, and Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, convened in Geneva on Thursday on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum 2023. The high-level meeting centered on discussions surrounding the Iran-Iraq security agreement and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation.
In a social media post, Minister Ahmed emphasized the "rich historical ties" between Iraq and Iran, highlighting the importance of fostering diplomatic relations. The ministers also delved into the successful implementation of the security agreement between the two nations, indicating a collaborative effort to address shared concerns.
Pleased to have met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran @Amirabdolahian in #Geneva, Switzerland. Talks focused on the rich historical ties between #Iraq and #Iran, exploring avenues for further cooperation and the successful implementation of the… pic.twitter.com/DhuSFl5pUg
— Rêber Ahmed (@RayberAhmed) December 14, 2023
The security agreement, previously inked by Iraq and Iran, aims to address regional stability by disarming Kurdish militant groups based in Iraq. Iraqi officials have reported taking measures to implement the pact, with the Kurdistan Region expressing its commitment to compliance.
Iran has alleged that Kurdish opposition groups, including the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), and Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), played a role in the September 2022 protests. These protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, who died in police custody for purportedly violating the country's dress code.
In response to these allegations, Tehran has previously conducted military operations in border areas of the Kurdistan Region, targeting positions believed to be held by these militant groups. The meeting in Geneva signifies a diplomatic approach to addressing concerns and fostering collaboration between the Kurdistan Region and Iran.
Kurdistan Region officials have consistently emphasized their commitment to preventing any group within the region from posing a threat to Iranian national security. The discussions in Geneva underscore a diplomatic channel for addressing regional security concerns and promoting stability in the broader context of Iraq-Iran relations.
