On Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, welcomed Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

During their discussion, they addressed the latest developments in Iraq and the region, and explored avenues to further bolster the bilateral relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Türkiye.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasised the significance of enhancing ties, particularly in facilitating trade and easing the movement of travellers between both regions.

A key topic of their discussion was the urgency of continuing the oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to Türkiye’s Ceyhan port. They also stressed the importance of resolving any issues causing delays, as prolonging such matters would be detrimental to all parties involved.

They further deliberated on the “Road of Development” initiative, a proposed railway network aiming to connect the Gulf States and Iraq to Türkiye and beyond. Prime Minister Barzani asserted that the project should proceed with the full coordination and approval of the Kurdistan Region, ensuring the benefits are extended to all Iraqi citizens, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.

Foreign Minister Fidan expressed his pleasure at visiting the Kurdistan Region and conveyed Türkiye’s desire to fortify its relationship with the region across various sectors.

Concluding their discussions, at a joint press conference, both Prime Minister Barzani and Minister Fidan highlighted the necessity of enhancing economic, trade, and security relations, safeguarding the stability of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the wider region.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2023/august/krg-prime-minister-hosts-tuerkiyes-foreign-and-energy-ministers/