Masoud Barzani

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Barzani Headquarters)- President Masoud Barzani received the former President of France, Mr. Francois Hollande. President Barzani described President Hollande as a dear friend of the people of Kurdistan and added that the stances of his government during some of the most challenging times in Kurdistan's modern history will indeed remain appreciated by the people and government of Kurdistan.

President Barzani and President Hollande discussed some of the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region, making note of the fact that the Kurdistan Region has come a long way in the past few years following the brutal attacks by the terrorists of the Islamic State which started four years ago. They also spoke of the status of the IDPs particularly from the Yezidi and Christian communities to whom the terrorists of the Islamic State posed an existential threat. President Barzani stated that while the terrorists of the Islamic State have faced a serious defeat, but that their threat is not completely eradicated.

The two sides also discussed the Baghdad-Erbil relations and how the new phase in that regard is indeed of everyone's interest. They also spoke of the situation in Syria and President Barzani hoped that the situation in Syria in general and in Rojava, in particular, will improve following the defeat of the terrorists of the Islamic State.

President Barzani reiterated his message of gratitude to the people and government of France for their support to the Kurdistan Region during the war on the terrorists of the Islamic State.