"I’m pleased to have received French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves LeDrian. His visit to Erbil is a sign of France’s continued support to the Kurdistan Region," Barzani tweeted on Friday.

At a joint press conference after the meeting, Barzani thanked France for the support it has provided the Kurdistan Region, especially during the war against ISIS, and tense moments between the governments in Erbil and Baghdad.

For his part, Le Drian said that France would send medical supplies to the Kurdistan in the coming days to help its fight against coronavirus pandemic.

Arriving in Baghdad on Thursday, Le Drain held a meeting with the President, Mr Barham Saleh, and Prime Minister, Mr Mustafa al-Kadhimi. He also had discussions with his counterpart, Mr Fuad Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs. (ILKHA)