Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sedat Önal and his accompanying delegation.

The delegation congratulated Prime Minister Barzani on his candidacy for President of the Kurdistan Region. They expressed hope that the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government will be formed soon. They also highlighted historical relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey and expressed willingness to further strengthen and develop them, particularly in the economic field.

Prime Minister Barzani wished Mr. Önal success in his new duties as Turkey's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. He stressed that the Kurdistan Region always looks forward to building good relations with its neighbors, especially with Turkey, which helped and supported the Kurdistan Region during difficult periods. He also expressed the KRG's willingness to further strengthen its relations with Turkey.

He highlighted the progress made in the talks between the Kurdistan Region and Iraqi federal government to resolve some outstanding issues, expressing his government’s willingness to pursu serious talks to resolve remaining outstanding issues with Baghdad. He stressed the important role that friendly countries can play in this regard.

The political situation of the greater region and other topics related to bilateral relations were also discussed.