Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met The Netherlands Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok, Ambassador to Iraq Matthijs Wolters, Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region Willem Consijn and their accompanying delegation.

Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and a number of KRG officials also attended the meeting.

Minister Blok expressed his appreciation to the people and government, notably the Peshmerga, of the Kurdistan Region for accommodating and assisting a large number of displaced people. He affirmed continuation of his government’s humanitarian and military assistance, especially in restructuring the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

He expressed his country's willingness to contribute to the Region’s economic sectors, particularly in agriculture, and highlighted opportunity for investment as well as strengthening trade relations.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked The Netherlands Government as part of the international military coalition and for its humanitarian aid to the Kurdistan Region.

He noted that the Kurdistan Regional Government provides incentives for investing in the Kurdistan Region. He also emphasized strengthening economic and trade relations between The Netherlands and the Kurdistan Region.

The political and security situation in Iraq, formation of the new Iraqi government, and continued talks toward forming a new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government were also discussed.