President Masoud Barzani received Mr. Yann Braem, the French Consul in Erbil, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Pirmam.

During the meeting, the French Consul expressed his pleasure at meeting the President and reaffirmed the importance of the long-standing historical relations between the Kurdistan Region and France. He also expressed appreciation for President Barzani’s role in strengthening bilateral ties and supporting the development and continuity of relations between both sides.

President Barzani welcomed the French Consul and highlighted France’s significant role in the history of the Kurdish people’s liberation movement. He noted that France has consistently played an important role across different historical stages of the Kurdish struggle, stating: “We are proud of these relations.”

In a separate meeting on the same day, President Barzani also received Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu, leader of the Future Party and former Prime Minister of Turkey, in Pirmam.

The two sides exchanged views on recent political developments and broader regional dynamics, as well as the risks and challenges facing the future of the region. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening peace and ensuring stability and security across the region.

Both meetings also addressed the ongoing political situation and its complexities, including developments within Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.