Barzani and Erdogan discuss energy and trade in Istanbul meeting

Barzani and Erdogan discuss energy and trade in Istanbul meeting

kurdsatnews

Apr 16, 2022

Kurdistan region prime minister Masrour Barzani shaking hands with Recep Teyyip Erdogan in Istanbul's Dolmabahce palace. Photo: Handout/ KR

"We discussed developments in Iraq and the region, bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey, and expanding cooperation to promote security and stability, " Barzani said in a statement.

"We emphasized developing relations in all sectors, particularly in trade and investment." the statement added.

Barzani said both sides "explored new opportunities to increase bilateral trade and investment."

The head of the Foreign Relations Department in the KRG, Safeen Dizayee, usually dubbed as Kurdistan region foreign minister, accompanied Barzani in the meeting. They held talks focusing on trade and energy.

Hakan Fidan, the Turkish intelligence chief, was the only participant besides Erdogan in the meeting.

The head of Kurdistan Foreign Media Relations, Lawk Ghafuri, said Barzani and Erdogan also spoke on gas, security and political developments in Iraq and the Middle East.

The visit comes when Europe is working to lessen its energy dependence on Russia. With its vast hydrocarbon reserves and close ties to Turkey, the Kurdistan region is an obvious choice.

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