Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.gov) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Germany’s Defence Minister, Ursula von der Leyen and her accompanying delegation in Erbil, which included a number of military and political officials, a number of members of the German Bundestag, German Ambassador to Iraq and the German Consul General to the Kurdistan Region.

The German Defence Minister reiterated that Germany views the Kurdistan Region Peshmerga forces with respect and appreciation as they continue to fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, on behalf of the free world. She added that the Peshmerga forces fights against the terrorist organisation have been efficient and that they have proven that ISIS is not that force that cannot be defeated.

Minister Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Germany will continue to support and provide assistance to the Kurdistan Region. She also expressed her deep concern regarding the terrorist attacks that took place in Paris last week.

On his part, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude and delight to the German Defence Minister for her second visit to the Kurdistan Region, so that she can closely observe the situation on the ground and the latest developments.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed Kurdistan government and people's gratitude for the military and humanitarian assistance that Germany provides to Kurdistan Region. He pointed out that although further developed weaponry is needed, the military aid and training being provided to the Peshmerga forces by the German government have had a significant effect in changing the balance of power in favour of the Peshmerga forces and helped them marking significant victories in the fight against ISIS.

The two sides also discussed the latest political, security and military situation both in Iraq and in the wider region.