French President Emmanuel Macron received Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Friday. According to a report by Kurdish media outlets. The meeting between the two leaders signifies the importance of bilateral relations and underlines France’s recognition of the Kurdistan Region.
During their meeting, President Macron and Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani engaged in fruitful discussions on the French relations with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They explored avenues for deepening mutual cooperation and exchanged views on the current situation in Iraq and the broader region. The meeting, as stated by the Kurdistan Region Presidency beforehand, focused on strengthening bilateral ties, identifying areas of collaboration, and addressing the latest developments in Iraq and the wider region. This signifies the commitment of both leaders to foster dialogue, build stronger partnerships, and work towards promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
President Macron’s warm welcome highlights the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between France and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the mutual commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities for collaboration in various fields. The meeting serves as a significant step in fostering closer relations between the two nations and promoting peace and stability in the region.
The historical ties between France and the Kurdistan Region can be traced back to the time of Danielle Mitterrand, the wife of then President François Mitterrand. Danielle Mitterrand played a pivotal role in persuading the French government to support the establishment of a no-fly zone during the mass exodus in 1991.
On the first day of the ISIS attack, France swiftly dispatched its advisors to assist the Peshmerga forces. From that moment on, France has been a strong supporter of the Peshmerga, providing them with significant aid. In fact, France has been one of the leading countries in terms of assistance to the Peshmerga, surpassing other nations in the level of support provided. The unwavering commitment of France in bolstering the capabilities of the Peshmerga showcases their dedication towards the fight against terrorism and the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.
