Another two years with the leader of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Massoud Barzani, in power is considered a welcome development by Ankara, which enjoys close economic ties with the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq.

“Barzani in power for two more years is an important indication thatTurkey's relations with the Kurdish region will significantly develop during this period. ForTurkey, Barzani as the head of the Kurdish region inIraqmeans maintaining stability,” Bilgay Duman, an expert onIraqat the Center for Middle Eastern Strategic Studies (ORSAM) told Today's Zaman.

Over the past few months, the KRG's ruling and opposition politicians have been at odds on whether to permit Barzani to stand for another term in power.Iraq's Kurdish region parliament voted on Sunday to extend the term of Barzani until August 2015 despite the harsh opposition of some lawmakers.

According to experts, the coming two years of Barzani rule will further develop the economic ties between the KRG andTurkey-- a situation that disturbs the central government inBaghdad.

Turkish relations withBaghdadhave been strained as a result of various factors, includingTurkey's economic relations with the KRG. As a growing country,Turkeydesperately needs energy, and the KRG appears to be one of the best options forTurkey.