Agreement aims to strengthen institutional capacity and coordination on migration and security issues

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation and reinforce joint initiatives across the region.

The agreement was formalized during a meeting between KRG Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed and senior officials from the Austria-based ICMPD, which has operated in the Kurdistan Region for several years.

In a statement to Kurdistan24, Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed said the memorandum is designed to “advance cooperation toward broader joint action” and build on existing activities. He noted that the ICMPD has long been active in the region, coordinating with the Ministry of Interior’s Crisis Coordination Center and various migration centers.

“The cooperation includes efforts to support communities, build and develop institutional capacities, deliver training programs, and enhance coordination between the two institutions,” Ahmed said.

He also highlighted a separate “very good meeting” with Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, during which both sides exchanged views on regional stability and joint projects between their ministries.

Susan Rapp, a senior ICMPD official, described the signing as a reflection of “the shared intention of both sides to develop relations and deepen cooperation.” She noted the center maintains strong, stable ties with the Kurdistan Region and works extensively on the ground.

The agreement comes amid growing security collaboration between the KRG and Austria. Earlier, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner characterized his discussions with Ahmed as “productive and significant,” focusing on field-level cooperation to combat human trafficking networks and drug smuggling.

Karner stressed the need for enhanced information sharing and coordination to address shared security risks and preserve regional stability.