Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a series of high-profile meetings at the Munich Security Conference 2025, reinforcing the Kurdistan Region’s international partnerships and expanding cooperation in security, economic, and diplomatic fields.

Deepening NATO Collaboration

President Barzani met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss ongoing security challenges, particularly the persistent threat of ISIS. The discussions focused on enhancing NATO’s support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, including counterterrorism measures and training programs for the Peshmerga forces.

“It was a pleasure to meet my friend, Mark Rutte again, now as NATO Secretary General. We discussed strengthening Iraq-NATO cooperation, security developments in the region, the ongoing threat of ISIS, and the importance of continued cooperation to address regional security challenges,” President Barzani stated on his personal X account.

Expanding Relations with the Netherlands

During a bilateral meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, President Barzani explored ways to deepen economic and security cooperation between the Netherlands and the Kurdistan Region. The two leaders highlighted the Netherlands’ role in the International Coalition against terrorism, with Prime Minister Schoof affirming his country’s commitment to further collaboration.

“I had a good meeting with Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands today in Munich. We explored ways to further strengthen our relationship and enhance collaboration on issues of common interest,” President Barzani wrote.

Boosting Economic Ties with Bulgaria

President Barzani also met with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, where discussions focused on economic and security cooperation. President Radev emphasized Bulgaria’s interest in expanding trade and diplomatic ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

“I am pleased to meet with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev. We discussed shared priorities and ways to strengthen KRI and Iraq’s ties with Bulgaria,” President Barzani said.

Strengthening US-Kurdistan Relations

A key meeting took place between President Barzani and US Senator Elissa Slotkin, a member of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services. Discussions centered on the US role in training Peshmerga forces, ongoing counterterrorism operations, and the security situation in Iraq and Syria. Senator Slotkin reaffirmed Washington’s continued commitment to supporting the Kurdistan Region.

Exploring New Avenues with Armenia

In a diplomatic engagement with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Barzani discussed expanding economic, cultural, and trade cooperation. The leaders also considered direct flights between Erbil and Yerevan, which would strengthen regional connectivity.

“It was a pleasure to meet with the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Munich. We discussed strengthening our bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest,” President Barzani shared on X.

A Strong Diplomatic and Security Legacy

The Kurdistan Region has solidified its position as a key international partner in regional security, counterterrorism, and economic development. Under President Barzani’s leadership, Erbil continues to enhance diplomatic relations with NATO, the US, and European nations, ensuring the Kurdistan Region remains a vital player in Middle Eastern stability.

The discussions at the Munich Security Conference 2025 highlight Erbil’s commitment to security, economic growth, and regional cooperation, reinforcing the Kurdistan Region’s role on the international stage.