Barzani arrived in the capital city of the United Kingdom on an official visit earlier this week on Wednesday. Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Defense, the Prime Minister, and other senior officials in the United Kingdom were on the agenda of the visiting President.

"Discussions are set to focus on strengthening of relations, expanding Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s mutual cooperation and partnership with the United Kingdom, the fight against ISIS, the developments and stability in Iraq and the wider region," According to a press release by the Presidency of the Region.

According to the release, Johnson expressed his delight in receiving Barzani, thanked him for the visit and reiterated that the UK attaches importance to its relations with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. "The Prime Minister said that the UK relations with the Kurdistan Region were formed 30 years ago with the establishment of the no fly zone. Mr. Johnson said these mutual relations will grow stronger and the UK is committed to continue strengthening bilateral ties."

It further added that Johnson reiterated that the relations are historic and need to be made stronger, especially the economic relations. "The Prime Minister affirmed the willingness of the UK to expand trade and commerce and to increase visiting delegations to both countries. Mr. Johnson expressed willingness to visit Erbil again and said: I have great memories from the previous visit. The Prime Minister thanked the President for his role in resolving differences in Iraq and ensuring stability."

"For his part, President Nechirvan Barzani referred to his visit to London and his meeting with Prime Minister Johnson as reassuring and important for expansion of relations, especially after the recent events in the region," the release further added, noting that "Barzani expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, the UK government and the allies for their political, military and humanitarian support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The President stressed that the Kurdistan Region is willing to expand all areas of mutual cooperation with the United Kingdom, especially in trade and investments."

"Regarding Erbil-Baghdad relations and their pending differences, the President affirmed that talks are ongoing in a positive atmosphere with the Iraqi federal government. The President reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is willing to resolve all disputes based on the constitution," it further said.

"Discussions also covered COVID-19 pandemic, terror threats and the dangers of ISIS resurgence, which continues to pose a considerable threat."

"Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s relations with the neighboring and regional countries, the status of the refugees and the displaced people in the Kurdistan Region, developments in Afghanistan and other topics of mutual interest were highlighted."

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