Iraq – Conversation between Jean-Noël Barrot and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 23, 2026)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot spoke with Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22.

They discussed several regional issues, including the situation in Syria. They called on all the parties to de-escalate immediately, to protect all civilians, and to implement a global ceasefire that allows for the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and provides guarantees to Kurds in Syria. They reaffirmed the priority importance of the fight against Daesh.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government also discussed the political situation in Iraq following the legislative elections held on November 11, 2025.

During their conversation Minister Barrot applauded the high quality of the special ties between France and the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.