Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) Dara Jalil Khayat, Chairman of the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry said, “Despite the recent challenges, Kurdistan Region has preserved its economic and trade position. The Kurdistan Region has become an important centre for trade in Iraq and the overall region thanks to its security and stability.”

Dara Khayat told KRG.org that withholding the Kurdistan Region’s share from the federal budget by the former Iraqi government and the terrorist threats “were the two main challenges for Kurdistan Region. These challenges have pushed Kurdistan Region to resort to other plans to protect its trade and economy, taking advantage of its prevailing security and political stability and an active private sector.”

The Government’s support for the investment amid such circumstances "was the best response; and the presence of local investment in active economic sectors has considerably saved the Kurdistan Region’s markets from stagnation and reduced the loss compared to the rest of Iraq"

Due to the recent events in both Iraq and Kurdistan Region, marked by the threats of the Islamic State's terrorist organisation, known as ISIS and withholding Kurdistan Region’s share from the federal budget and failure in paying the civil servants salaries by Baghdad, the Kurdistan Region has faced an economic crisis where the implementation of a large number of projects were suspended.

Dara Khayat considered the agreement reached between KRG and Baghdad as a significant development, which will pave the way for resuming economic activities.

He said that this would lead both Iraq and Kurdistan Region to have a solid presence in the international oil market, despite the fact that oil price has sharply fallen. Mr. Khayat added that "it is expected that Iraq’s oil income will reach over $300 billion in the next five to six years."

Dara Khayat stressed the need for holding trade and economic forums particularly with the countries with solid investment capacity. He said the recent agreements that the Kurdistan Region has signed with Belarus and Hungary have "marked an important initiative towards further similar important steps in the future."   

UAE chamber of commerce forum

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Erbil branch on 18 November, held a forum to discuss the economic situation in Kurdistan and the role of foreign investment particularly from the United Arab Emirates. The forum was attended by the Governor of Erbil, the Chairman of the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Head of Italian Consular Office in Erbil, the representative of Germany’s chamber of commerce, and a number of representatives of trade and business community.        

In his speech addressing the forum, the Governor of Erbil stressed on "the return of business activities and the role of the Kurdistan Regional Government's support to such activities with the view to further developing trade and investment in the Kurdistan Region."  

Dara Khayat told the forum “by developing the industry sector, not only the Kurdistan Region but also Iraq and the regional countries can profit from Kurdistan's industrial products, particularly cement and iron."

Regarding tourism sector, he said Kurdistan Region could benefit from this sector and receive four to five million tourists annually by implementing new projects.

The Head of Italian Consular Office in Erbil, Carmelo Ficarra, said due to the security situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and the area, his country had to defer holding two important exhibitions in the Kurdistan Region.

He stressed that his country's private sector is, enthusiastically, looking forward to resume its business activities in the Kurdistan Region. 

Rashid Al-Mansouri, the UAE Consul-General to Kurdistan Region, told the forum that “Kurdistan Region is a secure and stable region and has its own economic position. His country therefore plans to implement major projects in the Kurdistan Region”.

Al-Mansouri said, “Peshmarga forces are the best guarantee for the development of the economic situation in the Kurdistan Region, because by protecting Kurdistan's security and stability, Peshmarga forces encourage other countries to come and invest in the Region. He urged the countries to take advantage of the opportunity made available and bring their projects to the Kurdistan Region."

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, on Monday received Mr. Georg Enzweiler, on the occasion of his appointment as Germany’s new Consul General to the Kurdistan Region. 

Mr. Enzweiler expressed his pleasure to be appointed as his country’s Consul General to Kurdistan Region and hoped to further develop bilateral relations between Germany and the Kurdistan Region. He lauded the Kurdistan government, people and Peshmerga forces for their fight against terrorism and accommodating a large number of internally displaced people and refugees, who fled terrorist violence in other parts of Iraq and took refuge in Kurdistan Region.

Mr. Enzweiler reiterated his country’s humanitarian and military support to the Kurdistan Regional Government. The Consul General also reaffirmed his country’s determination to further strengthen the political and economic ties with the Kurdistan Region. He added that, many German companies have actively participated in the Erbil international trade fair, which was held last week in Erbil, saying that Germany will continue to encourage its companies to work in the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Mr. Enzweiler for his appointment and reiterated the KRG’s support for the success of the German mission in Kurdistan Region. The Prime Minister valued the humanitarian and military support provided by the German government and hoped that this support will continue in future.

The relation between Erbil and Baghdad, the current political and military situation and the threat of the Islamic State terrorist organization, known as ISIS, on regional security and stability were also among the topics discussed in the meeting.
The Consul General welcomed the breakthrough agreement reached earlier this month between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq and hoped for a successful outcome.  

Both sides agreed on further developing the collaboration and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and Germany, stressing the historical relations between the two peoples.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (dfr.krg.org) – Today the President’s Chief of Staff, Dr Fuad Hussein, the Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, and the Head of KRG Department of Media and Information, Minister Safeen Dizayee briefed diplomats and representatives of international organizations on the latest developments.

Minister Mustafa thanked diplomats and representatives of international organizations for their attendance and gave an overview of the recent agreement between Erbil and Baghdad, the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), as well as humanitarian and financial challenges facing the Kurdistan Region.

“We have always preferred to resolve our disputes with Baghdad through dialogue and negotiation. The recently reached agreement is a temporary agreement but we consider it a good start. It is in the interests of both Erbil and Baghdad. We are committed to continue our cooperation with Baghdad in order to finalize more lasting agreements on all of outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad,” Minister Mustafa commented on the agreement. 

Minister Dizayee, who was a member of the KRG delegation to Baghdad, said “The atmosphere of the meeting was very positive. Both sides were determined to reach a mutually beneficial agreement and we saw real desire by Prime Minister Abadi and member of his cabinet to resolve outstanding issues with Erbil.”

Highlighting the advances of Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces against the ISIS terrorists, Minister Mustafa said, “Thanks to the support of our coalition partners that have provided our forces with military equipments, weapons, and training, and thanks to the bravery of our Peshmerga forces, we have managed to regain control of the vast majority of territory that had been occupied by the ISIS in early August.”

Dr. Hussein emphasized, “Achieving greater security success and stability in Iraq will largely depend on progress in the political process. A genuine power sharing among the Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis is the only possible way forward.” 

Minister Mustafa also updated the attendants on the latest humanitarian developments and the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons who have taken refuge in the Kurdistan Region. He added, “KRG has made concerted efforts to alleviate the sufferings of refugees and IDPs but with our limited resources we are unable to provide adequate relief and assistance.”

Referring to the impact of financial and security challenges on the economic process in the Kurdistan Region during the past several months, Minster Mustafa said, “Today, with the new agreement in hand for revenue sharing and energy, and with steady progress against ISIS, we look with optimism to the period ahead.”

During the meeting, Dr Hussein and Minister Dizayee provided more details on the recent agreement between Erbil and Baghdad as well as the security and economic cooperation between both sides in the face of current challenges.

Consul General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Fayiz F. Khouri, the new Dean of the diplomatic corps, thanked the DFR for arranging the meeting and expressed his gratitude for the comprehensive briefing on behalf of the diplomats. During the meeting, diplomats and representatives exchanged thoughts on the recent developments. They commended KRG for sheltering hundreds of thousands of refugees and IDPs and highly praised the role of Peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS terrorists.

The meeting was attended by diplomats from Jordan, Palestine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Turkey, Poland, United Kingdom, China, Germany, Russia, Hungary, Egypt, Italy, Romania, The Netherlands, South Korea, Czech Republic, Iran, France, Bulgaria, Japan, UNAMI. 

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (KRG.org) - President Massoud Barzani held a meeting yesterday with the returned Peshmergas who had been fighting the Islamic State terrorist organization, known as ISIS, in Kobane. The President honoured and commended their efforts and highlighted their “determinant role in the fight and their commitment in assisting their Kurdish brethren in Syria.”

In late October, the Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, sent 160 Peshmerga troops along with heavy artillery to Kobane to assist the Syrian Kurdish forces in their fight against ISIS. None of the Peshmergas were martyred. However, 11 were injured.

They have all returned back to the Kurdistan Region, Brigadier Ahmed Gardi, who led the Peshmerga troops in Kobane, told KRG.org.

Having fought for over a month, they were replaced with a second group of another 160 soldiers who left the Kurdistan Region last week. The Peshmergas flew to Turkey and crossed the border to Syria, whereas weapons where brought to Kobane by road.

In a statement to KRG.org, Helgurd Hikmet, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, said that the military objectives of sending troops to Kobane had so far been met. “Not only had the Peshmergas from the Kurdistan Region brought heavy artillery with them to Kobane, strengthening Syrian Kurdish forces position, they had also been involved in direct combat operations, alongside Syrian Kurdish forces, with the coalition air force support, against ISIS.”

Brigadier Ahmed Gardi stated that “When the Peshmerga forces arrived in Kobane, Syrian Kurdish forces only had control of 15 to 20 percent of the Kurdish town. Following the arrival of the Peshmerga troupes, 20 to 30 square kilometers of Kobane started to be liberated per day. Now, 50 percent of the war torn town is under Kurdish control and 50 percent under ISIS."

He added “After recapturing and liberating areas that previously were under the control of the terrorists, 200 displaced families who were stranded on the border with Turkey were able to return to the Peshmerga secured parts of Kobane.”

At the meeting, President Barzani told the returned Peshmergas, that the “Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq were ready to continue to provide military and other forms of support to the people of Kobane.”

The President also presented his condolences to the families and loved ones of the Peshmerga forces who had been killed by the terrorists since the start of the fight against ISIS in Kurdistan Region in early August.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq, (krg.org) - KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani today received Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, accompanied by Mr. Nikolay Mladenov, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, and several UN officials.

Mr. Eliasson conveyed the gratitude of the United Nations and the international community to the Kurdistan people and their government for welcoming and hosting over 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. He offered his condolences to the families of Kurdistan Region’s security forces, including the peshmerga, who lost their lives in protecting civilians against ISIS’ ruthless aggression.

The situation in Kobane and sending Peshmarga forces to the town and KRG’s support against ISIS aggression were among the topics discussed in the meeting.

KRG's role in restricting and reducing the threat of ISIS aggression in Iraq was also discussed. Prime Minister Barzani outlined the latest developments of the fight against terrorism. He noted that peshmerga forces along a 1,000-kilometer front are fighting not only for the  Kurdistan Region but also on behalf of the world.

It was mutually acknowledged that resolving the ISIS issue requires not only effective military efforts, but also efforts that accept and sincerely invite all Iraqis to participate in a political process that is genuinely inclusive.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General highlighted the importance of Kurdistan Region’s role in the national political process as essential and effective. He noted that a stable Iraq is also essential for Kurdistan.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed KRG support for Iraqi Prime Minister Abadi’s government and that it wishes to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue. He thanked the UN for supporting formal negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad during the formation of the government.

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated Kurdistan’s requirements of substantial humanitarian and military support from the international community to reduce suffering of more than 1.5 million displaced people and to prevent further ISIS’ aggression.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (krg.org) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday received UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and his delegation that included the UK Ambassador to Iraq Frank Baker, UK Consul General Angus McKee, and a number of senior military officials.

The situation on the frontlines facing ISIS terrorists and the achievements of Peshmerga forces were discussed. The Peshmerga were commended for their dedication and bravery. 

The Prime Minister urged that requirements of heavy weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment be met in order to more successfully confront the ISIS terrorist organization that threatens the world.

The British Defence Secretary observed training of Peshmerga by British military personnel and expressed satisfaction with the level of progress. He affirmed the UK will continue provision of military and humanitarian assistance. He indicated reassessments of needs will occur as the situation evolves.  He also mentioned reorganization progress is being made by the Iraqi Army.

The plight of more than one million displaced people who fled to the Kurdistan Region was also discussed. Winter rains and colder temperatures have arrived and their living conditions have become more difficult. Both the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary highlighted their desperate situation and the urgency of making them comfortable. The international community and the Iraqi government need to be more forthcoming in meeting their needs.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for the generous support of the United Kingdom. He requested continuing substantial assistance. He praised the important role the United Kingdom is playing in the international coalition.

The relations between Kurdistan Region and United Kingdom were another topic discussed in the meeting. The Prime Minister praised the role of the British Ambassador, especially his high level of attention. The Defence Secretary noted the recent visit by the Prime Minister to London and pledged continuing cooperation.

Erbil-Baghdad relations were also discussed in the meeting. The Defence Secretary affirmed the UK would support resolution of outstanding issues in order for Erbil and Baghdad to better focus attention and efforts on successfully confronting ISIS terrorism.

The meeting was also attended by the Kurdistan Region Presidency Chief of Staff, KRG Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, KRG Spokesperson, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, and the KRG Representative to the UK.

Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq, (krg.org) – KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received today Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, her delegation, the Iraqi Ambassador to UNESCO, and Iraqi archeologists. 

In accordance with UNESCO’s selection criteria, the Erbil Citadel has been distinguished as a World Heritage site of outstanding universal value. One of only four sites in Iraq, the Citadel has been inscribed on the World Heritage List. A formal inauguration ceremony took place at the Citadel.

At the meeting with the Prime Minister the hard work of the people, institutions, and countries involved in the selection process, along with the roles of the UNESCO Director-General and Iraq’s Ambassador to UNESCO, were highlighted.

The Kurdistan Region has many other significant cultural heritage sites and attention was drawn to the need to monitor their condition, and to protect and preserve them in accordance with international standards. Necessary measures to be taken were discussed at the meeting.

Other topics discussed included the latest developments in confronting ISIS terrorist organisation's brutal aggression and protecting civilians, and the limits of humanitarian assistance available for over 1.4 million displaced people and refugees who have sought safety and security in the Kurdistan Region.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, (krg.org) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received yesterday the Defense Minister of the Government of Iraq, Dr. Khaled al-Obeidi.  He was accompanied by a delegation included the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army, the US Chief Security Coordinator in Iraq, the Governor of Mosul, Iraqi and US military officials, and advisors. The Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Peshmerga Affairs also attended the meeting.

The importance of continuous and consistent cooperation between Peshmerga and Iraqi Army forces was acknowledged. Iraq’s Defense Minister commended the effectiveness of Peshmerga forces in confronting threats to the country’s security, highlighting achievement in recovering Zumar and Rabia towns from ISIS terrorists.

The Defense Minister affirmed the Peshmerga forces as important and integral part of Iraq's defense system. He indicated he would spare no effort to resolve the Peshmarga related outstanding issue with Baghdad. He expressed his wishes that the much expected visit of Kurdistan Region's delegation to Baghdad could pave the way in solving all the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

The Defense Minister noted that enhancing the Iraqi Army’s capabilities is needed now  as it goes on the offensive.

Other topics discussed included the overall security situation, recent military developments, importance of tribal forces involvement in confronting terrorists, and the establishment of youth national force units from various parts of the country. To successfully confront terrorism, creating regional units from regional local tribes deemed necessary in this phase of the fight against terror, than can positively change the military equation on the ground.

The international community’s response in supporting national and regional efforts to confront, stop, and roll back ISIS terrorists was acknowledged, lauded, and discussed.  The effectiveness of airstrikes by the US and other coalition partners was highlighted as critically important to helping halt terrorist advances in many areas.

Prime Minster Barzani lauded the participation of Arab countries in the international coalition and acknowledged their participation as crucial. While considering coalition forces airstrikes successful, the Prime Minister emphasized that they are alone not enough, and that the fight against terror needs a change in strategy. He stressed the need for the ground forces to be well armed and well equipped.

Regarding relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Government of Iraq, Prime Minister Barzani expressed optimism about the future. He emphasized the KRG’s positive interest and disposition in settling all outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad through respectful dialog and negotiation.