President Barzani today met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in his office in Salahaddin to discuss the strengthening of ties between Russia and the Kurdistan Region.

Mr. Bogdanov said his government is keen to build on the historical ties and the friendship between the people of Kurdistan and Russia and to advance the existing relations to include cooperation in the fields of trade, economics, and energy. He also submitted a letter from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov inviting President Barzani to visit Moscow for further talks to strengthen relations.

Accompanying the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister was Chairman of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia and the former Russian Oil Minister Mr. Yuri Shafranik, who talked about plans by Russian oil and energy companies to consider investment opportunities in Kurdistan.

Accepting the invitation to visit Russia, President Barzani said the KRG is also eager to strengthen ties with Russia and shed light on the historical ties that bind the people of Kurdistan and Russia, adding that there are many areas of potential cooperation between the two sides. He also commended Russia for being the first country to open a consulate in Kurdistan.