ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — The president of the Kurdistan Region on Monday received Ruben Brekelmans, the defense minister of the Netherlands, discussing mutual relations between Amsterdam and Erbil in the fields of defense and military training while hailing the country’s active role in providing military support to the Kurdish forces in the fight against terror.

“Both sides voiced the significance of enhancing relations and coordination between Peshmerga forces and Iraqi army with the Dutch armed forces within the framework of the global coalition against terror,” read a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

Barzani thanked Amsterdam for its continued support to the Peshmerga forces in “combatting Daesh [ISIS] organization and hailed the Dutch forces’ roles in training and strengthening the capabilities of the Peshmerga.” 

The Netherlands has been a key member of the US-led coalition against ISIS. Amsterdam and Erbil enjoy strong relations in the military and agriculture sectors. The Netherlands has a consulate general in Erbil. 

Barzani said in a post on X that he was “delighted” to have met Brekelmans in Erbil.

“The Kurdistan Region values its strong relations with the Netherlands,” Barzani wrote. “I reiterate my appreciation for the Kingdom’s contribution in the war against terror.

“I look forward to continuing our partnership and cooperation to promote peace and stability through the region,” Barzani said. 

Before visiting Erbil, Brekelmans was in Baghdad where he met with the central government's authorities and NATO’s mission.

The Dutch defense minister’s visit to Erbil came a day after a similar visit to the Kurdistan Region capital city paid by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto who met with President Barzani. 

“The Kurdistan Region remains committed to further deepening ties with Italy and enhancing peace and stability throughout the region,” Barzani wrote in a post on X of his meeting with the Italian defense minister. “I reiterated my gratitude to the people and leadership of Italy for their continued support in the war against terrorism.”

Similar to the Netherlands, Italy and the Kurdistan Region have enjoyed strong ties since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. The Kurdistan Region has a representation office in Rome. Earlier this year, Italy upgraded its consulate in Erbil to consulate general. 

Italy too has been a key member of the global coalition against ISIS since 2014, actively involved in providing military aid and training to the Iraqi and Kurdish forces. The country has around 1,000 soldiers in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.