President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed Radu Butum, the departing Head of the European Union Liaison Office in Erbil, for a farewell meeting focused on strengthening ties between the European Union and the Kurdistan Region. The meeting highlighted years of cooperation and emphasized continued collaboration across several important sectors.
President Barzani praised Butum for his dedicated efforts during his time in the Kurdistan Region. He said the European Union and the Kurdistan Region achieved meaningful progress through close communication and regular cooperation. Moreover, he recognized Butum’s role in supporting stronger diplomatic relations and expanding mutual understanding.
The President also wished Butum success in his future responsibilities. Furthermore, he expressed appreciation for the positive contributions that helped deepen relations between the European Union and the Kurdistan Region. He noted that continued dialogue remains essential for future cooperation and regional stability.
Radu Butum thanked President Nechirvan Barzani for the warm reception and continued support throughout his assignment. He also expressed gratitude to the institutions and officials across the Kurdistan Region for their cooperation during his tenure. As a result, he described his experience as both productive and valuable.
Butum reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Kurdistan Region. He stressed that the relationship continues to develop through regular engagement and shared interests. Therefore, he expressed confidence that future cooperation will expand across multiple fields.
The meeting also reflected the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic communication. Both sides recognized that continued coordination supports long-term stability, economic development, and regional cooperation. Likewise, they emphasized the value of building stronger institutional partnerships for the future.
The discussions highlighted the positive relationship between the European Union and the Kurdistan Region. Both sides acknowledged previous achievements while looking toward new opportunities for cooperation. They also supported continued engagement through diplomatic channels and constructive dialogue.
The European Union has remained an important international partner for the Kurdistan Region over recent years. Consequently, cooperation has expanded in areas including governance, humanitarian assistance, development, education, and institutional capacity building. These efforts have strengthened mutual trust and encouraged long-term collaboration.
As Butum concludes his mission in Erbil, both sides expressed optimism about the future of their partnership. They agreed that continued cooperation will benefit both the European Union and the Kurdistan Region. Finally, the meeting ended with mutual appreciation and a shared commitment to maintaining close diplomatic relations in the years ahead.