President Barzani receives Norwegian Foreign Ministry delegation

The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Nechirvan Barzani, the Presidential Chief of Staff, Fouad Hussein, and the Minister for Peshmerga Mustafa Sayed Qadir, the Planning Minister Ali Sindi, Health Minister Rikot Hama Rachid, and the Foreign Minister, Falah Mustafa. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the political and security developments, threats, and terrorist attacks on Kurdistan and the progress made by the peshmerga, as well as the refugee situation.

President Barzani welcomed the delegation, and described the Norwegian delegation’s visit as a gesture of friendship and support from the government and the people of Norway towards the people of Kurdistan. The support shown by friendly nations for the people of Kurdistan shows that the Kurdistan region is committed to the values and principles of humanity and coexistence, and that this support is proof that Kurdistan has followed the right path.

During the meeting, they discussed the situation of the displaced people. President Barzani stated that they will help them [displaced people] with whatever they can, but the numbers of refugees exceed the capacity of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s territory. But, the international community needs to help with the rising numbers of refugees that enter the Kurdistan region.

In contrast, the Norwegian Foreign Minister expressed his delight for the warm welcome and praised the efforts of President Barzani and the Kurdish leadership of developments in the territory. He stated "the coming way to express the support of the people of Norway and standing by the people of Kurdistan in confronting terrorism." He also noted that terrorists have become a reality and a serious threat to the security of the region and the world.

Burke Briand, also stated that Kurdistan can depend on Norway for humanitarian and military aid. He has allocated $10 - $20 million for this purpose – excluding what Norway has already allocated.

President Barzani and Norwegian Minister held a press conference after the meeting, which highlighted the results to the media.