(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) IRBIL, Jan 15 (KUNA) -- Recognizing the semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan's prominent position is crucial to maintain stability across Iraq, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday.
In a press conference, the French foreign minister said his visit to the Kurdish regional capital Irbil was a "gesture of respect" for the Kurds, pointing out that Paris and the semi-autonomous region have long shared amicable ties.
He cited "much progress" in bilateral relations, assuring the Kurds of France's support as it seeks to contribute towards the reconstruction of war-torn Iraq.
Le Drian drew attention to the plight of the Yazidi people, citing a young woman named Nadia Murad who became the face of a global campaign to cease discrimination against the religious minority.
The French foreign minister held talks with Kurdish leaders, chief among them former president Masoud Barzani, as part of an official visit to Iraq. (end) sbr.nam
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