President Barzani had his official visit to the United Kingdom last week. It was an occasion to reiterate the strength of the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Great Britain, especially in the areas of fighting terrorism.
In his meeting with UK Defence Minister, Mr. Ben Wallace, the latest developments in the fight against terrorism in Iraq and the threats posed by the resurgence of ISIS were highlighted. President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated his appreciation for the UK’s role and its support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the war on terrorism, and highly valued its military aid.
The President had also the pleasure to meet UK Foreign Secretary, Ms. Liz Truss. The President congratulated the Minister on assuming office and reaffirmed Kurdistan’s willingness to strengthen and expand cooperation and partnership with the UK. President Nechirvan Barzani had the honour to meet Mr. Nadim Zahawi, the new UK Secretary of Education. He wished him success and declared he was proud to see a Kurd hold such an imporant ministerial position.
The highlight of the visit was the meeting with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Prime Minister Johnson expressed his delight in receiving the President, thanked him for the visit and reiterated that the UK attaches importance to its relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Prime Minister said that the UK relations with the Kurdistan Region were formed 30 years ago with the establishment of the no fly zone. Mr. Johnson said these mutual relations will grow stronger and the UK is committed to continue strengthening bilateral ties.