ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Prime Minister Victor Orban said the government of Hungary supports nations striving for independence, including the Kurdistan region of Iraq, which he said can play a stable role in the Middle East.

“The Kurdistan region has all the qualities and basic criteria to declare independence and can become an effective world country," Orban said on Monday in a joint press conference with the Kurdistan Region's President Masoud Barzani.

Orban added; "Even though they are not a country, they are fighting on behalf of the world."

Barzani arrived in Hungary's capital Budapest from Washington, where he met with President Barack Obama and held talks with senior US officials.

In Hungary, Ordan was quick to point out the longstanding ties between Budapest and Erbil.

“The Kurds have always been thankful for our military assistance and the Hungarians reiterate their love and respect for the Kurdish [region's] efforts for independence,” said Orban in response to a question from a Rudaw reporter.


After Hungary, Barzani will be heading for talks with leaders in the Czech Republic.

Rudaw