Davos Meetings Address Regional Stability and Collaboration
In a series of meetings held at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) engaged with key international leaders to address recent developments and foster collaboration in the pursuit of regional stability.
1. Meeting with UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen:
On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, Prime Minister Barzani met with Geir Pedersen, the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria. The focus of their discussions was the recent attack on Erbil by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps on January 15. Both leaders emphasized the imperative of maintaining security and stability not only in the Kurdistan Region but also in Iraq and the broader region. Additionally, the meeting delved into the latest developments in Syria, particularly initiatives for amending the Syrian Constitution. A mutual agreement was reached on the crucial importance of protecting the rights of all communities in Syria, including the Kurdish people.
2. Meeting with UK Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron:
Continuing his diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Barzani met with Lord David Cameron, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The discussions primarily revolved around the recent attack on Erbil by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Lord Cameron expressed deep condolences, condemning the attack as unwarranted and a flagrant violation of Iraq's sovereignty. Both leaders underscored the urgent need for enhanced collaboration, especially in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group and broader counter-terrorism efforts. The meeting also explored avenues to strengthen UK-Kurdistan ties, emphasizing greater cooperation in shared areas of interest. Additionally, both leaders acknowledged the importance of addressing ongoing issues between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi government, advocating for solutions rooted in the Iraqi constitution to safeguard the rights and financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region.
3. Meeting with Armenian President, Vahagn Khachaturyan:
On the same day, Prime Minister Barzani engaged with Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of Armenia. Discussions centered around recent developments in Iraq and the broader region, with a particular focus on enhancing bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Armenia across diverse sectors. Both leaders emphasized the vital importance of maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as fundamental to achieving peace in the Middle East.
4. Meeting with Yemen's Deputy Chairman, Aidarus al-Zoubaidi:
Also on Thursday, January 18, 2024, Prime Minister Barzani held a meeting with Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, the Deputy Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council and the Chairman of the Southern Transitional Council. Deputy Chairman Al-Zoubaidi strongly denounced the recent attack on Erbil by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, reaffirming Yemen’s steadfast commitment to supporting peace and stability in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
These diplomatic engagements underscored a shared commitment among international leaders to address security concerns, strengthen collaborations, and promote stability in the Kurdistan Region and the broader Middle East.
