Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – The Foreign Minister of Belarus, Mr Vladimir Makei, arrived in the Kurdistan Region yesterday to strengthen bilateral relations and sign a memorandum of understanding.

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and senior KRG officials received the Foreign Minister and his delegation.

In the meeting, both sides exchanged views on bolstering relations and improving bilateral ties. Foreign Minister Makei stated the importance of paying a visit to the Kurdistan Region amid the current circumstances in order to express solidarity and support. He added that he hopes the Kurdistan Region will overcome this challenging time and continue to develop and thrive. He said that Belarus is ready to cooperate and coordinate with the KRG.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the Foreign Minister for the visit, which is an important demonstration of solidarity, and for the offer for increased cooperation. He explained that the KRG has promoted free market trade and private sector enterprise, highlighting sectors in which Belarus might best work with the Kurdistan Region.

At the meeting a joint commission was established to oversee the bilateral relationship. Foreign Minister Makei and Deputy Prime Minister Talabani signed a memorandum of understanding to outline areas of cooperation, including industry, agriculture, energy, information technology, and higher education. The document also covers plans to arrange direct flights between Erbil and Minsk in order to expand mutual trade and tourism as well as coordination between the two governments to foster both public and private sector partnerships.

Foreign Minister Makei invited the KRG to send a high-level delegation to Belarus to build upon the growing coordination between the two governments.