The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Finance and Economy said in a statement on Wednesday, May 8, that Minister Rebaz Hamlan has been in discussions with visiting French officials about enhancing cooperation and assistance between the two governments.

According to NRT the purpose of the French delegation's visit was to assist the Region with budget preparation, auditing and monitoring expenses, and reorganizing the tax system, according to the KRG's statement.

The delegation said a cooperation office of the French Finance Ministry will be opened in the near future to assist the Region.

On May 7, the French delegation met with KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani. Both sides announced that they would cooperate to amend and streamline the KRG’s budget and expenditures.

The French delegation promised to send consultants to the Kurdistan Region in two months, according to Talabani’s office.

Reporter’s code: 40101