Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Germany’s Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller and his accompanying delegation that included a number of parliamentarians.

Dr. Müller commended the Peshmerga and people of Kurdistan who fought and stood fast against ISIS in protecting and assisting members of all communities who fled terrorism. He also praised the efforts of Prime Minister Barzani in normalizing relations with Baghdad.

Dr. Müller reaffirmed continuation of Germany’s military and humanitarian assistance to the Kurdistan Region. He also expressed Germany's interest in maintaining and furthering longstanding relations with the Kurdistan Region, especially in the economic and trade sectors.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Germany for its military and humanitarian assistance and stressed that strengthening ties with Germany is a KRG top priority. He briefed the delegation about recent talks with Baghdad that advanced resolution of a few issues, the conditions of the Region in general, and the upcoming elections in Iraq.

Prime Minister Barzani said the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have great expectations from European countries, specifically from Germany to help resolve issues facing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, especially in administration and technical assistance.

Prime Minister Barzani stressed his government’s willingness to develop economic ties, and expressed KRG’s readiness to facilitate and assist foreign companies, wishing to invest in the Kurdistan Region.

The situation of IDPs and refugees, in general, and Yazidi and Christian IDPs in particular, was discussed. Prime Minister Barzani thanked the German government for their strong interest and support in assisting the displaced people.