Qubad Talabani Discusses Peshmerga Reform and Illegal Migration With UK Security Adviser

Qubad Talabani's Media Office

KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani's meeting with British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, met with Jonathan Powell, the United Kingdom’s National Security Adviser, in Erbil on Monday to discuss several issues of mutual interest.

The meeting was attended by Irfan Sadiq, the British Ambassador to Iraq.

Talabani thanked the UK for its military support, particularly during the fight against ISIS and its assistance in unifying the Peshmerga forces. He expressed hope that cooperation would continue through further training, strengthening the Peshmerga’s institutional capacity and the establishment of the College of National Security at the University of Sulaimani.

He said that, following the unification of the Peshmerga forces, further efforts would be made to organise and improve coordination among the Kurdistan Region’s security and intelligence agencies.

The two sides also discussed efforts to form the Kurdistan Region’s new government. They agreed that establishing a strong and united government would be important for maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq.

Addressing Iraq’s political situation, Talabani described the completion of the federal cabinet formation process as an important step. He stressed the need for both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government to intensify efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and resolve outstanding issues.

Illegal migration was another key topic of discussion, with both sides emphasising the importance of closer coordination and joint efforts to discourage young people from undertaking irregular migration journeys.

Talabani said economic development, particularly in areas experiencing high rates of migration, was the most effective way to address the issue.

He highlighted the role of the Raparin Development Agency and called on the British government to provide greater support for the agency's work in the Raparin region, particularly in creating employment opportunities for young people.



PUKMEDIA