The meeting between Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw and representatives of France underscored renewed commitments to cultural preservation, civil projects, and direct air links between Erbil and Paris.
Governor Khoshnaw received French Consul General Yann Braem and Laurène, the representative of the Paris Municipality, at the Erbil Governorate. The Consul General thanked the Governor for his ongoing cooperation and stressed France’s dedication to advancing the long standing relationship between the Kurdish people and France.
Laurène conveyed greetings from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and outlined the objectives of her visit within the framework of the sister city agreement between Erbil and Paris. A key focus is the launch of the renovation of the Paris House inside the Erbil Citadel, which is set to become a center dedicated to defending women’s rights.
Governor Khoshnaw welcomed the delegation and emphasized that restoring the Erbil Citadel remains a strategic priority. He noted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s particular attention to the Citadel’s rehabilitation and its future as a safeguarded historical site.
He recalled that his discussions with Mayor Hidalgo have centered on two major initiatives: naming a street in Paris after the Peshmerga and opening the Paris House in Erbil. The first initiative has already been achieved with the inauguration of Peshmerga Street and Park in Paris, attended by President Barzani. The Governor described the event as a global message recognizing the Peshmerga as a symbol of the Kurdish people’s struggle.
The second initiative, beginning the renovation of the Paris House, is now moving forward. Governor Khoshnaw affirmed Erbil’s full readiness to support the project and expressed pride in hosting what will function as a French House in the heart of the Citadel.
He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to activate direct Erbil Paris flights, a proposal repeatedly raised in meetings with Mayor Hidalgo, including during Erbil’s participation in the annual Francophone Mayors Congress. He noted that concrete steps have been taken in both cities and expressed optimism about the progress.
The meeting concluded with detailed discussions on the practical phases of the Paris House renovation, with all parties agreeing on the need to accelerate implementation.
Karzan Abdulhadi, Head of the Erbil Municipality, and Naz Jalal, Director of the EJCC at the Erbil Governorate, also attended the meeting.
