French consul general in Erbil highlights Peshmerga tribute and expanding cooperation

ERBIL — French Consul General in Erbil Yann Braem said the naming of a Paris park route after the Peshmerga represents both recognition of Kurdish sacrifices and a reminder of the shared fight against the Islamic State group.

In an interview with 964media on Saturday, Braem reflected on the event in Paris and the broader scope of French–Kurdish relations, including business, culture, and education.

On Friday, a route in Paris’ André Citroën Park was officially named in honor of the Kurdish Peshmerga, a gesture marking the role Kurdish forces played alongside French and Iraqi troops in the war against ISIS.

“This event which happened yesterday is a very important event for France, for Kurdistan as well,” Braem said. “It is a recognition, a tribute paid to the courage, paid to the sacrifices made by Peshmerga with whom our military people fought side by side to counter terrorism.”

He added that the naming ceremony carried particular weight for France given the impact of ISIS attacks on French soil. “Daesh [the Arabic acronym for ISIS] threat has been active here in Iraq, in Syria but also in France,” he said. “So the relationship that happened during these years of fighting against Daesh fighting with French forces, with Iraqi forces, with Peshmerga forces needed very symbolic and important event to happen like that.”

He also recalled France’s role in the 1990s. “The relationship between France and the Kurdish people dates from decades,” he said. “The engagement of Danielle Mitterrand, the protection by the Security Council resolution in the 90s to prevent the slaughters and the repression of the Kurdish movement by Saddam Hussein’s repressive policy has been a cornerstone in our dialogue and in our relationship with the Kurdish people.”

He described today’s ties as dynamic and multi-dimensional. “Now we are at a stage where we have developed very strong political bonds,” he said. France continues to prioritize direct dialogue with both Baghdad and Erbil, he added. “We are partners, we want to work together with the Kurdish authorities, with Iraq as a whole. We do consider that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have a key role to play in the stability of the region.”

On disputes between Erbil and Baghdad over finances, Braem said France encourages sustained talks. “For us dialogue is the key,” he said. “We see that there are of course difficulties but it is through regular dialogue and understanding between the parties that the situation can be sorted out for the benefit of the Kurdish population, for the benefit of the region and for the benefit of Iraq as a whole.”

Braem also noted global challenges. “One of the most pressing issues is global warming and the preservation of the environment,” he said. “The access to resources, water resources, to capacities to improve the economy are also challenges. On this we are working with the federal authorities, with the regional authorities.”

At the same time, he pointed to opportunities created by an educated youth population. “There is a very educated youth so it opens also the way for business activities and economic activities to increase,” he said. French companies have steadily expanded their presence in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, he added, estimating about 30 firms are active in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and technology transfer.

Beyond politics and business, Braem emphasized education and cultural ties. The French Institute in Erbil hosts cultural events, while French schools in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have been active for more than 15 years. “Having Kurdish students in the French schools is building the future of our relationship with Kurdistan,” he said. He also noted joint festivals and artistic exchanges. “We have artists coming from France, who are also performing with Kurdish artists, working together,” he said.

Nearly two years into his posting, Braem described his role as consul general as rewarding. “Being consul general of France here [in Erbil] is really I would say a blessing because of the very strong ties between the Kurdish people and the French people,” he said. “It’s people-to-people relations, and it’s very deep, very friendly. I must say and I’m welcome everywhere.”

He added that traveling across the Kurdistan Region had deepened his appreciation of the ties between the two peoples. “I really enjoy travelling to other places, to go to Slemani, to go to Halabja, to go to Zakho, Amedi,” he said. “I visited many places; I look forward to visiting more places, because that’s also where I can feel how strong is our relationship.”