During meetings between senior Kurdish leaders and France’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region Emmanuel Mignot, it was revealed that France is preparing to build a new Consulate General building in Erbil.

France’s current Consulate General in Erbil is located near the Kurdistan Region Parliament and a few kilometers from the ancient Erbil citadel.

On Sunday, President Masoud Barzani received Consul General Mignot and highlighted the milestones in the historic relations between the people of Kurdistan and the people of France, describing those relations as friendly and strong, while Mignot said he would work to further strengthen relations.

The meeting also covered regional developments, Erbil-Baghdad relations and the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq on September 30.

Furthermore, during a meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday, Consul General Mignot stated that he is pleased to be assuming his new role in the Kurdistan Region and outlined his plans to further advance relations between the Kurdistan Region and France.

Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the longstanding friendship and relations between the Kurdistan Region and France and thanked the government and people of France for their continued support for the people of Kurdistan throughout different periods.

Ambassador Mignot was also received by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, who reaffirmed the full readiness of the Kurdistan Region’s institutions to support and facilitate his work. 

President Nechirvan Barzani also reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s gratitude for the enduring friendly relations with France and its continued support for the people of Kurdistan.

In a video message, Consul General Mignot paid tribute to the victims of the February 1, 2004 attack in Erbil, which killed more than 100 people.

“I would like to commend the major role played by the Kurds in the fight against Islamist terrorism and in promoting religious tolerance. The French and the Kurds have both been victims of terrorism, and we are determined to combat it,” he said. 

“Relations between Kurdistan and France are excellent, and we intend to continue developing them in many areas,” he concluded.