Salahaddin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRP.org) – President Barzani today met with Alastair Burt, Britain’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to discuss bilateral relations and the latest political developments in Iraq and in the region.

In today’s meeting with the British Foreign Office Minister, President Barzani and Minister Burt discussed the challenges facing the country and the various efforts to defuse the current political crisis.

The two sides discussed the result of President Barzani’s recent visit to Northern Ireland and ways to increase bilateral trade and business cooperation between the UK and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. President Barzani said he was pleased with his visit to Northern Ireland and added that there are a number of areas of potential cooperation.

Mr. Burt, who was accompanied by Britain’s ambassador to Iraq Simon Collis and the British Consul general in Erbil Hugh Evans, said he is visiting Kurdistan to reaffirm Britain’s long-standing commitment to cooperate with the Kurdistan Region.

During his stay in Erbil, Mr. Burt said he has met with a number of British businesses whom he said all appreciate the warm and close cooperation of the KRG authorities here. He further added that his government will continue to encourage more British businesses to come and invest in Kurdistan.

The President and the British Minister also discussed the situation in Syria, the role of Kurds there, and the Syrian refugees. Minister Burt said the provision of shelter and assistance by the KRG to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees is greatly appreciated.