Today, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister, and his accompanying delegation.

They discussed the developments in Iraq and the broader region and ways to further enhance bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia.

Special Representative and Deputy Foreign Minister Bogdanov highlighted the significance of the Kurdistan Region and emphasized the strong historical ties between Russia and the Kurdistan Region. He reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the KRG in various fields. He also officially extended an invitation to Prime Minister Barzani to visit Moscow.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s desire to expand and deepen bilateral ties. The discussions also touched on the need to address outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq. In this regard, the amendment to the federal budget law and reaching an agreement to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region were highlighted as positive steps.

On Syria, they both agreed on the need to maintain security, stability, and protect the rights of the Kurdish people and all communities within the country.