Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani received Ms. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian Minister of International Development and her accompanying delegation.

At the meeting, attended by Falah Mustafa, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani expressed his government’s appreciation to the Canadian government for its support to the Kurdistan Region, particularly during the war against the so-called Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS.

He briefed the visiting delegation about KRG’s policy of reform that is being adopted recently in various sectors of the government institutions to overcome the financial crisis.

Regarding the war against ISIS, Deputy Prime Minister Talabani discussed the recent victories marked against the so-called Islamic State terrorist group in Mosul.

He also pointed out that the political mistakes which have contributed to the emergence of ISIS in Iraq should be addressed. He stressed that the Iraqi Federal Government should take serious steps to adopt a comprehensive reconciliation plan and include the Sunni Arabs in the political and decision-making process.

While expressing appreciation for the assistance the Canadian government offered in the war against ISIS, the Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Falah Mustafa stressed the importance of strengthening the relations between Canada and the Kurdistan Region.

Minister Bibeau commended the measures taken by the KRG to overcome the difficulties the Kurdistan Region faces, particularly the policy of reform, helping among others to ease the current financial hardship. She stressed on further cooperation between the two sides that would help the KRG to benefit from Canadian government’s experience and expertise.

She also discussed and commended KRG’s measures to protect human rights, empower women and gender equality. She expressed her government’s willingness to help the KRG in training its staff in these domains.