Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Matthijs Wolters, newly appointed Ambassador of The Netherlands to Iraq, with his delegation.

Ambassador Wolters commended the Kurdistan military forces, the Peshmerga, for their role in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS. He also praised the government and people of the Kurdistan Region for having accommodated and provided services to a large number of displaced people.

Ambassador Wolters expressed his country's readiness to offer assistance to the Kurdistan Region in various fields.

The referendum on Kurdistan independence to be held on 25 September was also discussed. Prime Minister Barzani briefed the Dutch Ambassador about the reasons that led the Kurdistan political leadership to hold the referendum that included Baghdad’s failure to honour its constitutional obligations towards the Kurdistan Region.

He stated the referendum is a step toward securing the legitimate rights of the people of Kurdistan. He stressed the need for serious and friendly dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad, a junction point where the international community could play a positive role.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed coordination and cooperation will continue among the Peshmerga, the Iraqi army, and the international coalition in the fight to eliminate ISIS and the terrorist threat.