On Sunday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received France’s Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, to discuss a range of critical issues, including the timing of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections. The meeting underscored the necessity of holding the elections at an “appropriate” time within the year, ensuring the participation of all political parties and components within Kurdistan, according to a statement from the Presidency.

The elections, initially scheduled for two years ago, have faced multiple delays. The most recent date set was June 10, but the Iraqi electoral body declared it could not supervise the process on that date, suggesting September 5 instead. A new date has yet to be finalized.

During the meeting, Barzani and Durel also emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve ongoing issues, maintain Iraq’s political stability, enhance bilateral relations, and explore avenues for cooperation.

France has a long-standing relationship with the Kurds, dating back to the 1980s. Danielle Mitterrand, the First Lady of France from 1981 to 1995, was a prominent advocate for Kurds suffering under Saddam Hussein's regime. She played a significant role in campaigning for the no-fly zone that eventually led to the Kurdistan Region's current autonomy and inaugurated the first Kurdish parliament in 1992. She is affectionately remembered as the “Mother of Kurds.”

France remains a key player in the fight against ISIS as a core member of the US-led global coalition. Through Operation Chammal, France has trained approximately 10,000 Iraqi soldiers, including Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Despite these efforts, the operation has not been without its sacrifices; three French soldiers were killed in Iraq in separate incidents last August.

The meeting between President Barzani and Ambassador Durel highlights the ongoing commitment of both parties to ensure the stability and development of the Kurdistan Region, amidst a backdrop of regional and international challenges.