Masrour Barzani, UK Minister discusses ways to strengthen UK-Kurdistan partnership
Following the Kurdistan Region’s historic September 2017 independence referendum, tensions between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraqi government increased.
Despite an overwhelming majority favoring independence, Baghdad rejected the results and responded with punitive measures, including the use of military force in disputed areas, namely Kirkuk province.
Since then, both the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces have been working to mend ties and increase cooperation.
Both Burt and Barzani “reviewed benefits coordination between Peshmerga Forces and Iraqi Security Forces can bring in the disputed territories,” the KRSC statement noted.
“These include stopping [ISIS] taking advantage of security gaps and providing the stability necessary to advance a settlement in line with the Constitution.”
Chancellor Barzani “urged the United Kingdom to help reconcile other differences,” and the two “also discussed other issues of bilateral importance.”
