Erbil Governor Welcomes Head of European Union's Erbil Office
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, welcomed Rado Botom, Head of the European Union's Erbil Office, at the Governor's Office.
During the meeting, the Head of the EU's Erbil Office expressed his pleasure at the meeting and thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government and Erbil Governorate for all the facilities, support, and cooperation they have provided. He then presented a summary of their projects, work, and activities in the areas of culture, renovation of historical sites, conducting training and education courses, human and agricultural development, and how to assist civilian citizens.
For his part, the Governor of Erbil, while welcoming them, stated that he is closely aware of their work and assured them that all relevant departments and institutions within Erbil Governorate would cooperate and coordinate with them. He also added that as Erbil Governorate, all possible facilities would be provided to them.
He further stated, "We have good relations and joint projects with all the consulates of European Union countries in Erbil. We hope that the European Union will consider the specificity of Erbil city, which is the first city in Iraq with many activities, and that we can further advance our relations." In another part of the meeting, discussions were held regarding the upcoming visit of the new EU Ambassador to Iraq to the Kurdistan Region, which is scheduled to take place soon.
For this purpose, the Governor of Erbil, while congratulating him on his new appointment, noted that he had previously served as the German Consul General in Erbil. This makes them pleased, as he will better understand the situation and specific characteristics of Erbil city, and they look forward to his visit to the capital, Erbil. He then highlighted the measures and procedures taken by the security forces and agencies in confronting organized crime and combating narcotics.
For this purpose, the cooperation and coordination of the EU mission's advisors in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in combating narcotics were deemed necessary, similar to the existing coordination and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and EU countries in combating terrorism.
In another part of the meeting, discussions were held regarding humanitarian crises, climate change, and its current global threats, which have impacted the Kurdistan Region in general and the capital Erbil in particular. Both sides emphasized continuous coordination and cooperation.
Finally, the overall situation in the region, the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the latest developments were also aspects of the meeting.
