The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced the reactivation of the Kurdistan Friendship Group in the European Parliament. The group, which was originally established in 2013, serves to promote and defend the rights and interests of the Kurdistan Region within the European Union.

The European Friends of Kurdistan Group was formed following extensive lobbying efforts by the KRG Delegation to the European Union. It was officially announced during an official visit to the European Parliament in November 2014 by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Comprising representatives from all factions of the European Parliament, the group initially included 35 parliamentarians from various European countries. It played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the war against the Islamic State and other key issues concerning the Kurdistan Region.

Dilawar Azhgayi, the KRG Representative to the European Union, highlighted the group’s historic importance as the first Kurdish friendship group in Europe. Speaking to BasNews, Azhgayi explained that while the group’s activities were interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic and the end of the previous European Parliament session, recent efforts have been made to reactivate it.

“We have held numerous meetings with European parliamentarians to bring the group back to life,” Azhgayi said. He added that the group had inspired the creation of other Kurdish lobby groups in Europe and emphasized its continued role in advocating for the rights and demands of the Kurdistan Region.

The revitalization of the Kurdistan Friendship Group marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the Kurdistan Region and the European Union, ensuring continued support for its political, economic, and security interests.