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Nechirvan Barzani, president of Kurdistan Region, exchanges gifts with Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo in the French capital, July 11, 2019. Photo: Office of the Kurdistan Region presidency / social media
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Nechirvan Barzani, president of Kurdistan Region, met with the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo in the French capital on Thursday and surveyed restoration efforts at the Notre Dame cathedral which caught fire in April.
In their meeting, Barzani and Hidalgo discussed the condition of internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees sheltered in the Kurdistan Region.
Hidalgo “praised coexistence, tolerance and the multicolor status of the Kurdistan Region,” according to a readout from Barzani’s office.
She also praised the Region for its role in protecting “the condition of religious and ethnic groups”.
The Kurdistan Region hosts roughly 1.5 million IDPs and refugees who fled Islamic State (ISIS) attacks in 2014.
Barzani arrived in Paris on Tuesday following an official invitation from the Elysee Palace. This is his first visit to France since becoming president.
He was received by President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.
The leaders discussed improving relations between Erbil and Paris both “economically and politically”, Barzani told journalists after his meeting with Macron.
Earlier on Thursday Barzani surveyed restoration work at the Notre Dame cathedral. The iconic building caught fire in mid-April, resulting in the destruction of its spire and most of its roof.
Barzani expressed his surprise at the progress made at the site. “I did not expect this,” he told the mayor. “I’m glad to see that Notre Dame’s recovery and reconstruction efforts are well underway after fire destroyed a portion of this historic landmark earlier this year,” he said in a tweet.
Barzani gifted Hidalgo with an ornamental plate depicting Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited place on earth.
“This is Erbil Citadel. You have been there … We appreciate all your support and solidarity. You visited our country, and you have been there – I think – twice. Your visit is always a sign of support and solidarity for what we are doing against ISIS terrorists to defend our country,” Barzni told the mayor.
Hidalgo told journalists Erbil and Paris will sign a partnership agreement on Monday to promote renovation, tourism, and mobility in the two cities.
In their meeting, Barzani and Hidalgo discussed the condition of internally displaced people (IDPs) and refugees sheltered in the Kurdistan Region.
Hidalgo “praised coexistence, tolerance and the multicolor status of the Kurdistan Region,” according to a readout from Barzani’s office.
She also praised the Region for its role in protecting “the condition of religious and ethnic groups”.
The Kurdistan Region hosts roughly 1.5 million IDPs and refugees who fled Islamic State (ISIS) attacks in 2014.
Barzani arrived in Paris on Tuesday following an official invitation from the Elysee Palace. This is his first visit to France since becoming president.
He was received by President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.
The leaders discussed improving relations between Erbil and Paris both “economically and politically”, Barzani told journalists after his meeting with Macron.
Earlier on Thursday Barzani surveyed restoration work at the Notre Dame cathedral. The iconic building caught fire in mid-April, resulting in the destruction of its spire and most of its roof.
Barzani expressed his surprise at the progress made at the site. “I did not expect this,” he told the mayor. “I’m glad to see that Notre Dame’s recovery and reconstruction efforts are well underway after fire destroyed a portion of this historic landmark earlier this year,” he said in a tweet.
I’m pleased to visit Mayor of Paris @Anne_Hidalgo in her office and discuss cooperation between Erbil & Paris. I’m glad to see that Notre Dame recovery & reconstruction efforts are well underway after fire destroyed a portion of this historic landmark earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/zgnNHlZTfl
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) July 11, 2019
Barzani gifted Hidalgo with an ornamental plate depicting Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited place on earth.
“This is Erbil Citadel. You have been there … We appreciate all your support and solidarity. You visited our country, and you have been there – I think – twice. Your visit is always a sign of support and solidarity for what we are doing against ISIS terrorists to defend our country,” Barzni told the mayor.
Hidalgo told journalists Erbil and Paris will sign a partnership agreement on Monday to promote renovation, tourism, and mobility in the two cities.
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