PM Masrour Barzani and French Ambassador Discuss Government Formation and Regional Stability

PM Masrour Barzani and French Ambassador Discuss Government Formation and Regional Stability

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received the French Ambassador to Iraq, Patrick Durel, in Erbil on Wednesday to discuss the evolving political landscape in Iraq and the broader Middle East. The meeting, also attended by France’s Consul General Yann Braem, focused on the critical steps needed to finalize the formation of new cabinets in both Baghdad and Erbil.

The discussions come at a sensitive time as political blocs in Baghdad continue negotiations following the recent national elections. Prime Minister Barzani and Ambassador Durel emphasized the necessity of establishing a stable federal government that respects the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region, particularly regarding budget allocations and the regular payment of civil servant salaries.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the security situation in the region, reaffirming their commitment to continued coordination in the fight against terrorism and the maintenance of regional peace. Ambassador Durel reiterated France’s "unwavering support" for the stability of the Kurdistan Region as a federal entity within Iraq.

Strengthening the Erbil-Paris Partnership

The visit follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at deepening the historic bond between France and the Kurdistan Region. Earlier that day, Ambassador Durel met with President Masoud Barzani, where he commended the Kurdish leadership’s role in de-escalating recent tensions in northern Syria and protecting minority rights in Aleppo.

France remains one of the Kurdistan Region’s most significant international allies, a relationship that dates back to the 1991 humanitarian intervention and the establishment of the no-fly zone. Today, that partnership has expanded beyond security into robust economic cooperation.

“France is a consistent partner in our efforts to diversify our economy and build a secure future for our citizens,” a KRG official noted following the meeting. Recent initiatives have seen a surge in French investment interest, with dozens of companies currently exploring opportunities in the Region’s energy, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.

Focus on Budget and Constitutional Rights

A central theme of the dialogue was the ongoing financial dispute between Erbil and Baghdad. The Prime Minister highlighted that any sustainable political agreement must include a clear mechanism for the implementation of the federal budget and the protection of the Region's financial entitlements.

The KRG Council of Ministers recently held its first meeting of 2026, stressing that negotiations with the next federal cabinet will prioritize a permanent solution to the salary crisis and the management of oil exports. France has frequently acted as a mediator in these discussions, encouraging both sides to reach a consensus that serves the interests of all Iraqi citizens.

As the government formation process moves forward, Erbil and Paris have pledged to maintain a high level of diplomatic exchange to ensure that the Kurdistan Region remains a pillar of stability and economic growth in the heart of the Middle East.