ERBIL — The relations between Erbil and Ankara are fast improving and the Kurdistan Region will soon open its first representation office in Turkey, said a source from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Following Kurdistan’s independence referendum last year in September, the ties between Erbil and Ankara were faced with difficulties. However, the relations are restored now with further improvements in prospect.

The source told BasNews that the two sides are committed to bolster their relations on different levels, including economy, security, and energy.

However, the source did not clarify on a timeline for the opening of KRG office in Ankara.

BasNews has learned that AKP lawmaker Mehdi Eker, a Kurdish political figure who is now nominated for the position of mayor in a district of Istanbul, visited Erbil last month and met with Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani to reiterate his party’s support for promoting ties with the Kurdistan Region.

The source described Erbil as a bridge between Ankara and Baghdad, saying that Turkey hopes to benefit from potential economic partnership with Kurdistan as it is now under pressure to abide by the US sanctions against Iran.

He also said that PM Barzani is expected to visit Turkey in the upcoming weeks.

Bas News