Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) – UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and his accompanying delegation paid a visit to Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani last week during his first official visit to Kurdistan.

Secretary Hague conveyed his country’s eagerness to continue strengthening ties with the Kurdistan Region and the importance of ensuring a long-term, strategic relationship. Both sides stressed the importance of improving bilateral relations between Erbil and London in various fields. Prime Minister Barzani and a high-level delegation visited London in May.

The officials discussed the latest security and military developments in Iraq after the seizure of Mosul by terrorists earlier this month. They also discussed efforts made to address the problems in Iraq, stressing the need for a new political process that includes all of the different political forces in genuine partnership.

Prime Minister Barzani explained that the developments have completely changed the situation in Iraq, and any solution to solve the problems must be based on the new reality. He emphasised that the problems are political in nature, and therefore effective solutions must be primarily political, as military and armed struggle will not resolve underlying causes.

In a joint press conference with Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani, Secretary Hague said, "Kurdish security forces are playing an important role in holding ISIL back, and have already made many sacrifices in this vital struggle. We stand with you in rejecting the vile crimes of terrorists."

Secretary Hague was accompanied by the British Ambassador to Iraq, Simon Collis, the British Consul General in Kurdistan, Hugh Evans, and a number of officials from his Foreign Office.