The Federal Republic of Germany has appointed Alfred Simms-Protz as Consul-General in Erbil.

Mr Simms-Protz, who previously served as the head of diplomatic security at the German Foreign Office in Berlin, met with Minister Falah Mustafa, the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, this week.

They touched on the areas that Kurdistan can benefit from Germany, including quality products, knowledge, culture, education and sports. The German presence in Kurdistan includes a German Liaison Office for Commerce and Industry, the Goethe Institute, a German school as well as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) which works with universities and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

“The KRG places much importance on its ties not just with the Federal Republic of Germany, but also with regions within Germany,” Minister Mustafa said. He said that the Consulate General in Erbil plays a key role in encouraging the exchange of political, economic and cultural visits.

The new Consul General said, “We regard Kurdistan Region as a model for the whole region as your experience shows you can achieve development and democracy.” He added that the German government has an interest in promoting its ideals for democracy and human rights. He said, “When you come here and read your history, one can only feel sympathy for your effort to establish democracy and prosperity for your people.”

Both sides discussed the rich relationship between the KRG and German government as well as parliamentarians and ways of building on these ties. The meeting also touched on the forthcoming parliamentary and provincial elections as well as ties with the federal government in Baghdad, neighbouring countries and the international community at large. The officials spoke about the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan and the need for more international support and humanitarian aid.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Siham Jabali, Assistant-Head of DFR and other officials.

Source: KRG.org