Calonge commended the Peshmerga for their efforts against ISIS and expressed interest in learning from the Kurdistan Region's experience in eradicating extremist ideology and combating terrorism. Barzani emphasized the importance of eliminating the sources of radicalization and extremist ideologies, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
In addition, prospects for strengthening relations between the Philippines and Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region were also discussed.
ISIS seized control of territory across Iraq and Syria in 2014 and was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, but it remains a threat in both countries.
Barzani has previously stated that the threat of terrorism is far from over, calling the war against ISIS “still unfinished business.”
Security challenges continue to plague the Philippines on multiple fronts, with militant extremist groups often clashing with the Philippines Army.
