Erbil, Kurdistan (KRG.org) - Tunisair announced two direct flights per week to Kurdistan at the first Tunisia – Kurdistan Economic Forum hosted by the KRG in Erbil. Tunisian government officials, representatives of more than 50 companies, as well as journalists were among the delegation aboard the first Tunisair flight to arrive in Kurdistan.

At the well-attended forum, KRG Minister of Trade and Industry Sinan Chalabi welcomed the decision to commence direct flights. He said, “There are numerous fields in which we can benefit from trade with Tunisia, particularly tourism, agriculture, and industry, as Tunisia exports to more than 160 countries and is considered a major trading partner of the European Union.” He added, “The KRG adopts an open-door policy regarding the economic activity of other countries, and Tunisia is most welcome to the Kurdistan Region. There is significant opportunity and potential from both sides that can be utilized to expand economic relations.”

Tunisian Ambassador to Iraq Samir Jamai expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, ensuring that his country “is keen to develop trade relations with the Kurdistan Region.” Speaking to KRG.org, the Ambassador highlighted the potential for successful cooperation. He said, “There must be common exchange and mutual benefit for both sides. The KRG has opened its doors for Tunisian companies, which is especially important after Tunisia’s growth following the political crisis in 2010.”

President of the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Dara Khayat emphasized the value of Tunisian participation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In his speech he stated, “The KRG attaches importance to bilateral economic relations with Tunisia, particularly after the visit of the Kurdistan delegation to Tunis.” His counterpart, Head of Tunisia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Munir al-Moakhar, told KRG.org that the stable political situation in the Region opens the doors for Tunisian investment, focusing on “the fields of tourism, agriculture, and health.” He also stated that although Tunisair will begin with two flights per week, this may increase to four flights per week in the future.

Director of Exports in Tunisia’s Ministry of Transport Abdullatif Hamam told KRG.org that Tunisia annually exports more than 3000 products to more than 160 countries. He noted that the Kurdistan Region is witnessing “a positive transformation in construction and building, especially since 2003.” He added that relations with Tunisia can benefit Kurdistan in the fields of construction, tourism, and health, stating that soon a KRG delegation will visit Tunisia to learn more about the country’s experience in construction.

The Tunisair flight marks the first arrival of the airline in Iraq after 23 years of suspended activity due to Iraq's political and security situation. The delegation was received at the airport by Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa, Government Spokesperson Minister Safeen Dizayee, and other KRG officials.