This morning, His Excellency the President of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, received the Right Honourable British Minister for Security Affairs, Mr. Tom Tugendhat, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting, held in Erbil, covered a wide range of topics, including the latest developments in the fight against terrorism, the Kurdistan Region's internal situation, Erbil-Baghdad relations, illegal migration to the United Kingdom, and efforts to combat drug trafficking.

The gathering, attended by the British Ambassador to Iraq and the British Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, began with a comprehensive discussion on the evolving war against terrorism and the ongoing efforts to counter the threat posed by ISIS. Both sides underscored the importance of cooperation between Britain, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region in curbing illegal migration and combating organized crime. They agreed that addressing the proliferation of narcotics in the region required regional collaboration and the necessary steps should be taken in this direction. In this context, discussions included a memorandum of understanding that will be signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the British government.

Regarding the Kurdistan Region's internal situation, both parties emphasized the significance of unity and a unified stance within the region. Elections were a central topic of discussion, with President Barzani reaffirming the Kurdistan Region's commitment to holding elections, emphasizing that elections are the source of legitimacy for the Kurdistan Region.

In another segment of the meeting, the latest developments in the broader regional context were addressed, reflecting the shared concern for regional stability and security.

This meeting signifies the ongoing efforts to strengthen the partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United Kingdom, with both sides committed to addressing mutual concerns and working together to promote stability and security in the region.