President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed Radu Butum, the Head of the European Union Liaison Office in Erbil, during a meeting yesterday.

Several key topics were addressed including the recent elections in the Kurdistan Region; the need to establish a new Cabinet; the tripartite relationship between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the European Union; and the unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

Mr Butum spoke of his pride in having observed the peaceful and orderly conduct of the recent parliamentary elections.

Both parties highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration between EU member states, the Republic of Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Region. This cooperation is of particular necessity in those sectors which are essential for the development of Kurdistan Region and the wider Iraq.

During the meeting, they also discussed risks and implications arising from the current volatile circumstances in the Middle East, along with other matters of mutual concern.