President Nechirvan Barzani received France’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Eric Chevallier, in Erbil late Wednesday evening.

The meeting focused on a wide range of issues including the bilateral relations of France with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and ways to expand areas of mutual cooperation between them. The President reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s appreciation to France for its role and commitment to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, commending France’s contributions within the international coalition against ISIS.

Discussions also highlighted the threats posed by ISIS and the worrying surge of recent terror assaults both in Iraq and Syria with serious implications for regional peace and stability. Both sides reaffirmed the need for wider coordination and cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad, underlining the significance of continued international support to curb further ISIS resurgence.

Discussed were also the status of the Yezidis, the challenges and obstacles facing Shingal reconstruction, the political deadlock in Iraq following elections, the rulings of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq on the political process in the country and on oil and gas law in the Kurdistan Region. The developments in the Kurdistan Region, the importance of unity and common purpose of Kurdistani factions in Baghdad, the situation in Syria and the latest developments in Ukraine were also highlighted during the meeting, which was also attended by the French Consul General in Erbil.