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Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani meets with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum summit in Davos Switzerland, January 22, 2020. Photo: AFP
DAVOS, Switzerland – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum summit in Davos Switzerland on Wednesday.
This was the first meeting between a Kurdish and US President since 2015, when Masoud Barzani met Barack Obama during the early stages of the war against the Islamic State (ISIS).
“For a long time we've wanted to meet and we've worked together very well,” Trump told reporters in what appeared to be a warm and jovial post-meeting atmosphere. “But we've had a tremendous relationship and it's great to be with you. Thank you very much.”
Trump, however, mostly spoke of Syria - namely the ceasefire deal struck with Turkey in October upon Ankara’s invasion of the Kurdish-controlled Northern Syria on October 9, 2019.
“As you know, we left Syria from the standpoint of the border. And that's worked out great with Turkey. It's worked out far better than anybody ever thought possible. They have the so-called safe zone,” Trump said.
“And I appreciate everything you've done to keep it as safe as possible. But very importantly, as you know, we have the oil and we left soldiers for the oil because we took the oil and we're working on that. And we have it very nicely secured. We also have thousands of ISIS prisoners. We've taken over 100 percent of the caliphate. And it's a very interesting region,” he added.
The Kurdish president attempted to play a de-escalatory role during the Turkish invasion, notably by getting in touch with Syrian regime backer Russia to help find a solution.
He has also spoken on the need for unity among Syrian Kurds.
Barzani, who has expressed concern over US-Iran tension playing out in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, noted America’s role in supporting both in their fight against ISIS.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, to receive us in Davos. As you said, you know, we've been quite a long time waiting for that moment. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your support. So we did defeat ISIS together. So on behalf of the people...[of Kurdistan], I would like to express our thanks and gratitude to your leadership and your support. Thank you,” President Barzani said.
A pleasure to meet President @realdonaldtrump in a productive & friendly meeting at #Davos20. He recognized #Kurdistan’s role in fighting ISIS together & protecting minorities. I thanked @potus for his leadership & support.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) January 22, 2020
Also discussed wider Iraq & economic cooperation. pic.twitter.com/4qjWtv7ZgY
The Kurdish President also described the meeting as "friendly" and "productive" in a tweet on Wednesday afternoon, thanking Trump for his "leadership and support."
Updated 5:31pm.
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