ERBIL - Vatican Ambassador to Iraq Mitja Leskovar was received on Wednesday by Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani in Erbil where he thanked the premier for protecting and hosting Iraqi Christians within the autonomous region.

Barzani's office said in a press release that the pair exchanged views on a number of issues of the day that are related to the Christians living in the Kurdistan Region, while Leskovar conveyed greetings to Barzani from Pope Francis.

His visit came nearly two months after the Pope's historic visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, during which he delivered a message of peace and brotherhood in the country.

The Kurdistan Region has become a safe haven for different communities, including Christians, especially after 2003 when they began to face violence in other parts of Iraq.

The prime minister further reaffirmed his government's commitment to deepen the spirit of peaceful coexistence among all components living in the region, the press release added.

The pair additionally shed light on the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, both sides stressing on the importance of implementating a recent agreement between the two governments on the Federal Budget Law for the year 2021.

BasNews