Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and his accompanying delegation, including Turkish Ambassador to Iraq Fatih Yildiz, and Turkish Consul General to the Kurdistan Region Hakan Karacay. The meeting was also attended by a number of KRG officials.

Among topics discussed were strengthening bilateral relations, increasing trade and border crossings, continuing coordination and cooperation against terrorism, the situation in Kirkuk and other disputed areas, and the general situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Turkey for its support to the Kurdistan Region during difficult times. He expressed the KRG’s desire to strengthen relations with Turkey and its willingness to facilitate Turkish investment in the Region. He described the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey as important and strategic.

Minister Çavuşoğlu stressed that his country did not turn its back on the Kurdistan Region during difficult times and looked forward to further strengthening relations. He said that Turkish companies can invest in the Region and participate in construction, especially in areas affected by the war against ISIS.

He also pointed to his meetings with Iraqi officials in Baghdad and highlighted the importance of cooperation and coordination between Iraq and Turkey on water issue.