Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani today concluded his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During his participation at the Forum, the President took part in two high-level discussion sessions; one on the events unfolding in the Middle East and North Africa, and one on the conflict in Syria, and their implications for the region in general.

During his three-day stay in Davos, the President also held meetings with the prime ministers of Holland and Georgia, and the foreign ministers of France, Turkey and Sweden. These discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and included consultations on the political and security challenges facing Iraq, Syria and the wider region.

In all his meetings , President Barzani drew attention to the plight of the more than 250,000 Syrian refugees who have sought refuge in Kurdistan, and underlined the importance of more international assistance for these refugees. On the conflict in Syria, he also reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict in Syria, and that only a political settlement can lead to a resolution.

In the meeting between the President and the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, both emphasized continued close cooperation and hope that these bilateral ties will become increasingly enhanced. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said he is very pleased with his country’s bilateral relations with the Kurdistan Region. The President said the KRG is equally pleased with this relationship and is keen to further develop ties with France. He also extended an invitation for the Foreign Minister to visit Erbil.

The meeting between the President and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu focused on bilateral ties and the dialogue currently underway between Erbil and Baghdad to reach a settlement on the issues of oil and gas exports through Turkey. They both expressed their hope and optimism that Erbil and Baghdad can soon reach a resolution, one that is also in the interest of Iraq as whole.

On the sidelines of the Forum, President Barzani also met the President of Exxon Mobil Corporation, Rex Tilerson, and Chevron’s Vice President for Business Development, Jay Pryor. Chevron’s Vice President thanked the KRG for its close cooperation with the company and briefed the President about the activities and the progress of their work in Kurdistan.