On Sunday, January 14, 2024, the Kurdistan Regional Government's Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, met with Anu Saarela, Finland's Ambassador to Iraq.

The meeting focused on recent developments in Iraq and the broader region, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing and advancing bilateral relations between Finland and the Kurdistan Region.

Key topics discussed included the unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad, particularly highlighting the need to protect the financial rights of the Kurdistan Region and to promptly resume oil exports.

The importance of maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq was underscored, as well as the protection of coalition forces and diplomatic missions in the country.