As part of ongoing diplomatic engagement and coordination with foreign diplomatic missions in the Kurdistan Region, we welcomed Mr. Tom Bromley and Ms. Harriet Bell from the British Consulate General in Erbil.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Hoshyar Siwaily, Head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Foreign Relations Office, congratulated Mr. Tom Bromley on his appointment as Head of the Political Section at the British Consulate General, succeeding Ms. Harriet Bell. He extended his best wishes for success in his new role and responsibilities.
Mr. Siwaily also expressed his appreciation to Ms. Harriet Bell for her valuable efforts and contributions throughout her tenure, particularly her role in advancing and strengthening diplomatic relations, communication, and coordination. He wished her continued success in her future professional responsibilities and endeavours.
During the meeting, Mr. Siwaily and the visiting delegation exchanged views on the latest political, security, and economic developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider Middle East.
The discussions focused particularly on escalating regional tensions and the growing complexities of the geopolitical landscape, including the potential direct and indirect implications for political stability, public security, economic development, and the broader interests of the Kurdistan Region.
In this context, Mr. Siwaily outlined the KDP's position and policies regarding regional developments, emphasizing the Party's firm belief that dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful engagement must remain the primary means of addressing differences and resolving disputes.
He reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region is not a party to the ongoing regional conflicts and rivalries and has no intention of becoming involved in them. He stressed that the KDP's position remains clear and consistent: promoting mutual respect, recognizing legitimate aspirations, and encouraging peaceful coexistence within the framework of established laws, principles, and international norms.
Relations between Erbil and Baghdad, particularly the outstanding issues that have yet to be conclusively resolved, constituted another central topic of discussion.
Special attention was given to budgetary disputes, constitutional obligations, and the financial rights and entitlements of the Kurdistan Region. Both the importance of reaching a common understanding and the need for a fair, sustainable resolution were highlighted, with an emphasis on safeguarding the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region while contributing to Iraq's overall political and economic stability.
The meeting also addressed the political and security situation in Shingal (Sinjar), including the complex challenges facing the area and the implications of armed groups and militias for stability, governance, and the authority of legitimate state institutions.
In this regard, Mr. Siwaily presented the KDP's position, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Iraqi Constitution, implementing existing agreements, maintaining security and stability, and resolving outstanding disputes through constructive dialogue and political understanding.
He further underscored that stability in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq is not merely a domestic concern but an essential component of broader regional peace and security.
Accordingly, he stressed the importance of resolving political disagreements through dialogue, respect for constitutional principles, and effective institutional cooperation, while preventing regional tensions and rivalries from generating further instability.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the importance of maintaining regular dialogue, constructive engagement, and the exchange of perspectives with the British Consulate General was reaffirmed.
Such continued diplomatic communication is essential to strengthening mutual understanding, expanding opportunities for cooperation, and supporting collective efforts to preserve peace, security, and stability in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.
