President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Matti Lassila, the incoming Ambassador of Finland to Iraq, in Erbil on Monday.

The President congratulated Ambassador Lassila on assuming the office and on the Independence Day of Finland, wishing him, the people and government of Finland success. The President expressed his appreciation for Finland’s support to the Kurdistan Region during the war against ISIS, as part of the international coalition, since 2015.

Ambassador Lassila affirmed that his country attaches importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and is willing to develop bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest. Mr. Lassila underlined that Finland is committed to continue supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region within the international coalition.

Discussions also covered the recent Iraqi elections, steps taken to form the new federal government, the contributions and position of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq’s political process, the importance of political stability, the issue of migrants and refugees, and the developments in the wider region.