Iraqi, Kurdish delegation attend Munich Security Conference

NEWSROOM — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and an official Iraqi delegation headed by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein are participating in the 62nd Munich Security Conference, where both sides have held meetings with senior international officials on political and security developments in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and the broader region.

On the sidelines of the conference Friday, Barzani met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their discussion focused on ties between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Lebanon, as well as the latest political and security developments in the region, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said.

Barzani also met with Jonathan Powell, national security adviser of the United Kingdom. Their talks focused on security and political developments in Iraq and the surrounding region, as well as the ongoing threat of terrorism. Both sides emphasized continued collaboration between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the United Kingdom to address terrorism and uphold stability, the presidency said.

In a separate meeting, Barzani met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. They discussed relations between Azerbaijan and Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Region, exploring avenues to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, the presidency said. The meeting also addressed the establishment of an Azerbaijani consulate in the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdish engagement at Munich has expanded in recent years. Masoud Barzani became the first Kurdish leader to attend when he participated as president of the Kurdistan Region.

Nechirvan Barzani has since attended consecutive editions, holding bilateral meetings with European officials, NATO representatives and U.S. policymakers on counterterrorism and regional stability.

Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi is also attending the conference, marking a significant appearance for the Syrian Kurdish leader as Syria’s political future remains in flux. In 2025, representatives from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria attended for the first time.

Founded in 1963, the Munich Security Conference convenes annually and brings together heads of state and government, foreign and defense ministers, military officials and policy experts to debate global security challenges. In addition to public panels and keynote speeches, the conference includes closed-door diplomatic meetings that often shape international dialogue.