Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received Mohannad Shaddad, the Chargé d’Affaires of Consulate General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Erbil.

Mr. Shaddad conveyed a formal invitation from His Majesty King Abdullah II, King of Jordan, to Prime Minister Barzani, to attend the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa, which is due to be held in Jordan this month.

The Hashemite Kingdom will be hosting the forum for the 8th time at the Dead Sea resort from 21 to 23 May. It will be held under the theme "Creating a regional framework for prosperity and peace through public-private cooperation".

Particular emphasis will be “placed on the advancement of youth, which is absolutely key for long-term success of current efforts to counter marginalization and radicalization”, according to the Forum’s website.

Prime Minister Barzani accepted the invitation, for which he thanked His Majesty King Abdulla. He also expressed the gratitude of Kurdistan people and Government to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for its support to the Kurdistan Region in its fight against terrorism.

Mr. Shaddad reaffirmed Jordan’s support to the Kurdistan Region, pointing out that the people of Jordan and His Majesty the King attach great importance to the development of relations with the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated Kurdistan Region’s desire to develop bilateral relations with the Hashemite Kingdom, particularly in the economic, commercial and cultural fields.

The two sides also discussed the recent developments in the region in general, and the war against the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, in particular.