The Canadian Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher Boehm, reiterated Canada’s commitment to enhancing its relationship with the Kurdistan Region during a meeting with Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), in Pirmam on Tuesday.

An official statement from Barzani’s headquarters highlighted the ambassador’s acknowledgment of the strong ties between Canada and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing Canada’s intent to expand and deepen these relations in the coming years.

Ambassador Boehm also extended his congratulations to Barzani on the success of the Kurdistan parliamentary elections held in October 2024. He praised the peaceful conduct and high voter turnout of the elections, describing them as a model democratic process.

In response, Barzani expressed gratitude for Canada’s ongoing support, particularly its assistance to the Peshmerga forces in their fight against the Islamic State (IS). He emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations to address shared challenges and promote mutual interests.

Discussion on Regional and Bilateral Issues

The meeting covered a range of pressing regional and international issues, including the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi Federal Government. They discussed the current political and security situation in Iraq and Syria, highlighting the continuing threat of terrorism in the region.

On the issue of Syria, Barzani addressed the prolonged suffering of the Kurdish population, urging unity among Kurdish political factions to confront the challenges they face. He underscored the necessity of solidarity and coordination among Kurdish groups for a more stable and secure future.

Strengthening Cooperation

The meeting underlines the growing cooperation between Canada and the Kurdistan Region. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering mutual support and ensuring regional stability.

Canada’s continued engagement in the Kurdistan Region, particularly its focus on democratic development and security assistance, reflects the importance of the bilateral relationship and the shared goal of addressing regional challenges collaboratively.