ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — France's top diplomat met with Kurdistan Regional Government PM Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil where they discussed continued bilateral relations, the formation of the next KRG, lasting defeat of ISIS, and Baghdad.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian expressed his country's support to the Kurdistan Region, according to a readout from Barzani's office on Monday
The French minister additionally expressed his pleasure over his visit to Erbil. He also hoped for better relations between Baghdad and Erbil.
For his part Barzani thanked France for its continued support for the Kurdistan Region as it assisted Erbil in the fight against ISIS within the framework of the international coalition.
Barzani hailed French President Emmanuel Macron for maintaining relations with the Kurdistan Region during what he described as tough times and for Paris encouraging dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad.
KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also attended the meeting to discuss ongoing cabinet formation efforts in Erbil.
Le Drian also met Kurdistan Region Security Council head Masrour Barzani and KDP President Masoud Barzani in Erbil.
Masoud Barzani greeted Le Drian in Erbil on Tuesday.Fruitful meeting today with Minister @JY_LeDrian about regional challenges and the newfound willingness in Erbil and Baghdad to chart a new course. I thanked him for France’s longstanding support for the Kurdish people- mb. pic.twitter.com/dk4YuH3HCt
— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) January 15, 2019
"The President made reference to the fact that the French government was supportive of the Kurdistan Region during some of the most challenging times in our recent history," read a statement from Masoud Barzani's office.
They also touched on the impending US pullout in Syria and Turkish threats of action.
They "agreed that the Kurds of Syria should not be victimized due to political agreements between the various powers involved in Syria," read Masoud Barzani's statement.
They spoke about "improved" relations between Erbil and Baghdad.
"Minister Le Drian stated that the new Iraqi government and President Barzani's recent visit to Baghdad have paved the path for a brighter future between Erbil and Baghdad," according to Masoud Barzani's office.
Masoud Barzani said he will continue to support Iraqi PM Adil Abdul-Mahdi "in pursuit of the mutual benefit for the people of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq" while expressing "optimism."
Productive meeting with @JY_LeDrian today where we discussed the latest developments in Iraq and Syria. I also expressed our gratitude to the people and government of France for their support to the Kurdistan Region during some of the most challenging times pic.twitter.com/Q0oHDgpEU6
— Masoud Barzani (@masoud_barzani) January 15, 2019
He described relations between Paris and Erbil as being "historic."
"President Barzani has had strong relations with French presidents. I also have had the chance to enjoy very friendly relations with President Barzani,” said Le Drian.
He was optimistic about relations between the KRG and central government.
"Erbil-Baghdad relations now are much better and have stemmed from legitimacy. After the Iraqi and Kurdistan Region elections, a new government in the Kurdistan Region is in the making and a new opportunity has come forward for the resumption of fresh dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad,” said Le Drian.
France has been a staunch supporter of the Kurdistan Region prior to and through the ISIS conflict.
Paris was instrumental in the establishment of the no-fly zone that allowed de facto semi-autonomy from Baghdad and shielded Kurds from the previous regime's massacre nearly 30 years ago.
Update: 12:56 p.m.
