Lisbon, Portugal (KRG.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, led the KRG's first ministerial delegation to Portugal, meeting with a number of key officials from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament and inaugurating the Business Association of Portugal - Kurdistan / Iraq. The KRG Representative to Spain, Mr. Daban Shadala, accompanied Minister Mustafa on the visit.

At the Foreign Ministry the KRG delegation was received by the Secretary of of State of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Luis Campos Ferreira, the Secretary of State of Portuguese Communities Abroad, Jose Cesario and the Director General for Foreign Policy, Rui Macieira. Mr. Ferreira welcomed the delegation and said, "We have a number of issues of common interest to discuss, so I am thankful for your visit to Portugal and to our Ministry." He added, "It is very important to have Portuguese companies working in Kurdistan, which is peaceful and welcoming."

Minister Mustafa expressed his pleasure in conducting the KRG's first high-level official visit to Portugal. He said, "We believe both Portugal and Kurdistan can benefit from a stronger relationship. The KRG would warmly welcome Portuguese diplomatic representation in Kurdistan, and we very much hope you consider this possibility in the near future." For his part, Mr. Ferreira urged the KRG to establish a representation office in Lisbon.

Mr. Sergio Sousa Pinto, Chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, also received the delegation. Minister Mustafa emphasized the importance of international relations for the KRG, explaining, "We want to expand our relations with the international community, particularly in order to benefit from the technology and expertise of other countries. Based on this, we can build a mutually beneficial relationship."

Chairman Pinto welcomed the message, asking a number of questions regarding the progress and opportunities in Kurdistan. The KRG delegation urged the Portuguese Parliament to recognize the crimes committed against the Kurds by the former regime as genocide, and suggested a parliamentary fact-finding visit to Kurdistan to explore greater cooperation. Minister Mustafa also held a meeting with parliamentarians from several parties, promoting the establishment of an all-party parliamentary group to support Portugal's relationship with Kurdistan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a signing ceremony to officially inaugurate the newly established Business Association of Portugal - Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Association is designed to enhance future cooperation, build commercial and economic bridges, and promote partnerships among private sector entities in Portugal and Kurdistan. The ceremony was attended by Minister Mustafa, Mr. Cesario, Mr. Shadala, and a representative from the Iraqi Embassy in Lisbon.