Prime Minister Masrour Barzani receives Turkish Ambassador to Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday received Turkish Ambassador to Iraq Fatih Yildiz.

During the meeting, Ambassador Yildiz conveyed his government’s congratulations to the Prime Minister on his appointment. He expressed hope that the new government leads to a positive new chapter for the peoples of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and strengthens bilateral relations between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.

The Prime Minister outlined his plans to deepen bilateral relations, especially in the economic and investment sectors. He also stressed the need to diversify the economy, by developing the fields of agriculture, industry and tourism in particular; this would help ensure that the Kurdistan Region is not dependent on revenue from oil and gas alone. He welcomed Turkey’s engagement in this important area.

The Prime Minister also raised concerns about victims caught in the crossfire of armed clashes in the border regions. He called for all sides to respect the territorial integrity of the Kurdistan Region. In the exchange, he also called for improved travel links between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region, and urged Ambassador Yildiz to help address recent reports of travel difficulties. They agreed to stay in close contact on these issues of mutual importance.