Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Paris Mayor, Ms. Anne Hidalgo and her accompanying delegation.

The Mayor of Paris expressed her happiness with the visit noting that France has been supporting the Kurdistan Region at all stages of its development, and will continue its support, particularly at this time when the Region faces severe threats.

Praising the role of Prime Minister Barzani, Ms. Hidalgo said the Kurdistan Region has achieved considerable development within a relatively short period. She hailed the efforts of the people and government of Kurdistan Region in accommodating and offering essential services to a large number of refuge seekers, despite severe financial constraints.

Ms. Hidalgo said the international community must offer more assistance to the Region in order to improve the situation of refuge seekers.

Ms. Hidalgo proposed establishing relations between Erbil and Paris, offering full cooperation and coordination.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation with Ms. Hidalgo’s visit and her observations, recalling France’s assistance to the people of Kurdistan during difficult times. He welcomed establishing relations between Erbil and Paris.

Prime Minister Barzani welcomed French enterprises to participate in the development of the Region’s economy and proposed to offer all assistance.

He valued French educational institutions and the progress they are making to strengthen the capabilities of students.