Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (krg.org) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received France’s newly appointed ambassador to Iraq, Mr Mark Barety, and his accompanying delegation.

Ambassador Barety said that he was very pleased to visit Kurdistan and he stressed the deepening of bilateral ties between France and the Kurdistan Region, which have historic relations based on solidarity. He commended the people and government of Kurdistan for aiding the displaced and refugees. France will continue its military for the Kurdistan Region and will increase its humanitarian support, he said.

The French ambassador added that several French humanitarian NGOs are due to come to Kurdistan to aid the displaced and refugees. He also highlighted the French cultural centre’s activities.

The discussion also covered the security and military situation and the political process in Iraq, the importance of the Kurds and Sunni's participation in Iraq's new government, the establishment of an international coalition against terror, and the situation in Kobane. Both sides agreed that a solution is needed for Mosul, which if it were liberated would encourage the displaced to return to their homes.

Prime Minister Barzani noted that Kurdistan Region values its relations with France and said that the government and people of Kurdistan are grateful for President François Hollande’s visit to Erbil. Prime Minister Barzani added that the visit provided great political support for the Kurdistan Region, which hopes to further its relations with France on all levels.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the Kurdistan Region wishes to solve all the disputes with the federal government and reiterated Kurdistan’s support for Mr Abadi's government. He also stressed the importance of the Kurdistan Region’s relations with Tehran and Ankara.