Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Mr. Hendrik Van de Velde, Belgium’s Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq.

Ambassador Van de Velde commended the Peshmerga forces for liberating many areas from the Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS, control, notably the town of Sinjar.

He praised the efforts of Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, in accomodating a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons, IDPs, who have fled terrorist threats and sought refuge in the Kurdistan Region. He said, he will visit some camps of refugees and IDPs to observe their humanitarian situation and needs, with the view to increasing humanitarian assistance through UNICEF.

Ambassador Van de Velde pointed to the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and threat in Belgium, emphasizing on the need to further coordination and cooperation between all sides to work together to eradicate terrorism and restore peace and stability in the region and the entire world.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit, and stressed the importance of coordination and cooperation in eradicating terrorism which has become a global phenomenon.

Prime Minister Barzani also discussed the current situation in Kurdistan Region, the humanitarian situation of the refugees and IDPs, as well as the financial difficulties which the Kurdistan Region currently faces.

The two sides also discussed developing relations between Kurdistan Region and Belgium.