“During their meeting, the President conveyed his full support for Mr. Goldman’s mission and emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. He underscored the significance of furthering cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the UK,” read the statement.
“In response, Mr. Goldman expressed his pleasure in assuming his position in the Kurdistan Region. He reiterated the UK’s continued support for the Kurdistan Region and expressed readiness to work together across various sectors and strengthen relations,” it added.
President Barzani and Consul General Goldman exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East, including Iraq and Kurdistan, the presidency stated.
Goldman assumed the position last month, replacing Rosy Cave.
He was charge d'affaires at the British embassy in Muscat, Oman between 2022 and 2023. He had previously covered other positions at the same mission.
“James has been working on the Middle East and North Africa in various roles since 2015, including while Deputy Head of the Department which managed the UK's £1bn+ global Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, based in the UK's National Security Secretariat, and managing £200m+ of UK government funding to tackle conflict and instability and promote prosperity in the region,” said the UK consulate in Erbil when announcing his appointment on January 21.
Goldman said in a post on X that “It was an honour to be received by the President of the KRI today. Really looking forward [to] building even closer ties between [the] UK and KRI over the coming months.”
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