ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot is set to arrive in the Kurdistan Region’s capital Erbil on Wednesday evening, after completing his visit to Baghdad earlier in the day.

The French top diplomat is scheduled to meet with the Kurdistan Region’s top leaders during the visit, including Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Barrot arrived in the Iraqi capital on Wednesday morning as part of a regional tour to push for a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

While in Baghdad, Barrot held meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Barrot and Hussein also held a joint press conference following their meeting.

Regional conflicts, bilateral ties, and continued commitment to the agreements between the two countries regarding military and security cooperation were highlighted during Barrot’s meetings with the Iraqi officials.

France and the Kurdistan Region share long-standing relations, with the French strongly advocating for the establishment of a no-fly zone over the Kurdistan Region in 1991 which ultimately led to the development of the Region’s current autonomy.

France is also a core member of the global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS), providing training and assistance to thousands of Kurdish Peshmerga over the years.

The French foreign minister’s visit comes as the country seeks to expand its diplomatic role in the conflict and to facilitate the opening of humanitarian corridors to the Gaza Strip.