Dutch Foreign Minister: We are happy to see Peshmerga victory

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Holland will provide Kurdish Peshmerga forces with a year-long combat training program as part of the government’s efforts against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq, Dutch Foreign Minister Albert Koenders said in Erbil.

“We want to assist the Peshmerga and we are happy to see their victory over the most horrifying terrorist group,” Koenders said Sunday, referring to the ISIS at a joint news conference with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

He was speaking as the Peshmerga were celebrating major victories this week against ISIS, including pushing them Saturday out of Shingal, a predominantly Yezidi town the militants captured in early August.

Koenders said he was in Erbil to visit the refugee camps in Kurdistan and look at ways for the Dutch government to help them.  He said he had also discussed economic cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) with Barzani.

The Kurdish premier said the Netherlands has been an ally of the KRG and Iraq against the Sunni extremists and appreciated the Dutch government’s commitment.

“Since 1991, the Dutch government has been assisting the KRG and they have continued their support through the international coalition that has been formed against the Islamic State,” Barzani added.