Security and defense partnership stood at the heart of new talks between the Kurdistan Region and Estonia. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur in Erbil. Both sides emphasized stronger cooperation in key areas.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) confirmed that security and defense partnership dominated the meeting’s agenda. Prime Minister Barzani thanked Estonia for its lasting support, especially in the fight against ISIS. He praised Estonia’s active role in maintaining peace across the region.
Barzani noted that Estonia has contributed significantly to the international coalition. This support, he said, has helped build resilience and promote security in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
In return, Minister Pevkur reaffirmed Estonia’s deepening commitment. He expressed his country’s willingness to grow relations with Kurdistan across multiple sectors. Yet, he placed a clear priority on expanding security coordination and joint defense strategies.
Both leaders highlighted the critical need to maintain regional peace. They agreed that coordinated efforts are essential to preventing fresh threats and instability. A key concern during their talks was the repeated attacks targeting Kurdistan’s economy and energy infrastructure. These strikes, they said, must end immediately.
Estonia expressed support for Kurdistan’s right to protect its territory and maintain internal security. Minister Pevkur also noted the strategic importance of the Kurdistan Region for wider regional balance.
The leaders discussed future cooperation in military training, intelligence sharing, and border control. They also looked into developing joint responses to terror threats and organized crime.
As Barzani and Pevkur talked, both sides clearly recognized the value of long-term collaboration. The conversation went beyond defense. Pevkur emphasized Estonia’s openness to building ties in education, technology, and energy.
However, security and defense partnership remained the central thread throughout their exchange. Barzani welcomed this focus and said such alignment helps Kurdistan become a stable force within Iraq and the Middle East.
The KRG views international ties like this one as essential to its future. Erbil continues to build bridges with nations that share its vision for peace, growth, and security.
The meeting concluded with mutual optimism and a renewed pledge to work together. As the region faces rising threats, security and defense partnership between Kurdistan and Estonia now stands stronger than ever.