Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof speaks to Rudaw at the Munich Security Council (MSC) on February 15, 2025. Photo: Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The prime minister of the Netherlands said he had a “great” meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Munich on Saturday, discussing regional elections as well as developments in Syria.
“The meeting was just great because we have an excellent relationship,” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof told Rudaw following the meeting. “Traditionally the relationship between the president and the Netherlands and the prime minister have been always excellent.”
He addressed last year’s parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region and ongoing efforts to form a government.
“I think the elections went very well and that’s important for the development and I also think in Erbil… you are waiting for a new coalition government and I hope that they will succeed,” Schoof said.
The two also spoke about “political and security developments in the region, especially the situation in Syria,” according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
Schoof said it is vital that Kurds be included in Syria’s new government.
“Well I think, and that's what President Barzani said as well, I mean it's important that the Kurds in Syria engage with the government and are part of the new government. I think that’s important,” Schoof said.
The Kurdistan Region Presidency said they also discussed strengthening ties with the Netherlands.
.jpg "Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani (right) meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof (left) in Munich on February 15, 2025. Photo: Kurdistan Region Presidency")
“President Barzani stressed the importance of cooperation with the Netherlands and praised the role of the Netherlands within the framework of the international coalition to fight terrorism and continuous support in training the Peshmerga forces and strengthening their capabilities,” it said.
President Barzani has met with numerous world leaders and officials since arriving in Munich on Thursday, discussing security concerns and the Kurdistan Region’s role in regional developments.
The Munich Security Conference is an annual event bringing together world decision makers, academics, and civil society leaders to discuss security issues.
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