German defense minister praises Kurdistan's role in anti-ISIS fight

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht on Sunday praised the role of the Kurdistan Region’s forces in anti-ISIS operations at a press conference in the Kurdish capital of Erbil and stated that the fight against ISIS is not over.

The German minister arrived in Erbil Sunday afternoon and was received by the Kurdistan Region Minister of Peshmerga, Shorish Ismael, and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to Germany Dilshad Barzani.

Lambrecht held her first meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, discussing European country's ties with Iraq and the KRG as well as ongoing anti-ISIS efforts, according to a statement from Barzani's office.

President Barzani expressed the KRG's appreciation for Germany and its people's political, humanitarian, and military support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the statement added.

The two officials also reportedly discussed humanitarian conditions at internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps such as the notorious al-Hol camp in Syria and ISIS activities in the wider region.

Following her meeting with the Kurdish president, the German minister paid a visit to the military base at Erbil International Airport, where the German forces are stationed as part of the international US-led coalition against ISIS.

“I would like once again to express my respect for the efforts of Kurdistan Region in the fight against terrorism and the fight against Daesh, which is a very harsh fight claimed many victims,” Lambrecht said during a press briefing at the base.

The fight against ISIS is not over and the terrorist group is not only a threat to the Middle East but Europe as well, including Germany, the official noted.

The European country is currently in discussion about its mandate in the fight against ISIS, she added, saying Germany “reevaluates” its operations. “We are committed to our military engagement in the region.”

Before coming to the Kurdistan Region, the German official visited Jordan and the Iraqi capital, where she had met with top officials.

Today, Christine Lambrecht, germany's Defence minister, arrived in #KRG via Erbil International Airport & was welcomed by Shorsh Ismail, @KRG_MOPE minister & chief of staff, & will meet with @IKRPresident & her country's advisers & forces in the region during her visit to KRG. pic.twitter.com/cwUxc19jPK

— Ministry of Peshmerga (@KRG_MOPE) January 9, 2022