Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian and his accompanying delegation, including French Ambassador to Iraq, Bruno Aubert, and French Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, Dominique Mas.

The meeting was also attended by Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani and a number of KRG senior officials.

The political situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as well as the formation of the new Iraqi government and the efforts to form the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government were discussed.

Minister Le Drian stressed France's support to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and expressed his country's desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked France for its continued support to the Kurdistan Region in the fight against terrorism, as part of the international coalition.

He highly appreciated the role of President Emmanuel Macaron, who supported the Kurdistan Region during difficult times and urged both the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad to engage in dialogue in order to settle their differences.

The relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iraqi federal government as well as neighboring countries, the situation in the wider region and the war against terrorism were also discussed.