French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu Visits Kurdistan Region, Reinforces Bilateral Cooperation
French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, is set to arrive in Erbil on Tuesday for an official visit to the Kurdistan Region, according to a report by Le Figaro. The visit holds significant importance as it aims to strengthen cooperation between France and the Kurdistan Region in matters of security, stability, and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, is scheduled to visit the Kurdistan Region, specifically the capital city of Erbil, on Wednesday. This visit is part of an official itinerary aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and reaffirming France's commitment to the region's security and stability. Le Figaro has reported that Lecornu will be received by Masoud Barzani, former president of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
During his visit, Minister Lecornu's services have stated that he will emphasize the historic relationship between Kurdistan and France. This acknowledgment underscores the longstanding ties and mutual respect between the two regions. Furthermore, Lecornu will emphasize France's dedication to the unity of Iraq, highlighting the country's commitment to maintaining a stable and cohesive Iraq.
The meeting between Minister Lecornu and president Masoud Barzani presents an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics of mutual interest and concern. These discussions may include the regional security landscape, ongoing counterterrorism efforts, and strategies to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.
France has been a key member of the US-led Coalition and has actively supported the Kurdistan Region's fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. The presence of French troops stationed in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq exemplifies France's commitment to combating terrorism and fostering stability in the region.
The visit by Minister Lecornu underscores the continued cooperation and close relationship between France and the Kurdistan Regional Government. France was the first nation to reinstate diplomatic ties with the Kurdistan Region following the independence referendum in 2017. Since then, bilateral cooperation has flourished, encompassing various areas of mutual interest and concern.
The visit of French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu to the Kurdistan Region serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between Erbil and Paris. It also reaffirms France's commitment to supporting the security, stability, and unity of Iraq, while further strengthening the cooperation between the two nations in the fight against terrorism.