PM Masrour Barzani's meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister: "Very Good"
The discussions also covered "security problems in the region," with both sides agreeing that regional stability "is in the interest of both sides and the entire region."
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and an accompanying delegation. After a meeting that lasted about an hour, the two sides held a joint press conference.
Masrour Barzani: Our Meeting Was Very Good
On behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the people of the Kurdistan Region, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed the Iranian Foreign Ministry delegation to Baghdad and Erbil.
"We had a very good meeting with the minister. We discussed the development of bilateral relations, how to improve economic relations between Iran and Iraq, especially with the Kurdistan Region, and how to improve political stability in the region," Barzani stated.
I'm pleased to welcome @Bagheri_Kani to Erbil today.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) June 14, 2024
The KRG values its relations with its neighbors and does not allow any group to use the Kurdistan Region to threaten their security.
Our ties will be guided by mutual respect and shared interests, including economic ones -mb. pic.twitter.com/jfCVTJ1kJA
The discussions also covered "security problems in the region," with both sides agreeing that regional stability "is in the interest of both sides and the entire region."
Ali Bagheri Kani: Kurdistan Region a Factor of Stability
The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the Kurdistan Region, Iran, and Iraq will not allow the stability of the region to be disrupted. "There is a clear prospect in Iran-Kurdistan relations," said Bagheri Kani.
Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani expressed his pleasure at visiting the Kurdistan Region and conveyed the appreciation of the Iranian government and people for the Kurdistan Region’s condolences following the untimely death of the Iranian president, foreign minister, and other officials in a crash.
"The relations between Iran and the Kurdistan Region are brotherly and have historical roots, especially since they share a common religion, culture, and destiny," Bagheri said.
"The Kurdistan Region, Iran, and Iraq will not allow the stability of the region to be disrupted, nor will they let enemies take advantage of their goals," he asserted. "Iran wants to develop relations with the Kurdistan Region, especially in the economic field, which is in the interests of both sides."
Bagheri Kani also mentioned that their meeting with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani included discussions on removing obstacles to developing relations between the two sides. He thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government for welcoming Iranian pilgrims to Shiite holy places in southern Iraq.
He stressed the importance of developing economic relations, "because it is a factor for regional stability. There is a clear prospect in Iran-Kurdistan relations," he concluded.
According to the visit’s itinerary, Acting Foreign Minister Bagheri arrived at Erbil International Airport at 9:00 am, where he was greeted by Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed, Safeen Dizayee, head of the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, and several government officials.
Read More: PM Masrour Barzani to meet Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri
Throughout his visit, Ali Bagheri is scheduled to meet separately with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.
The discussions with senior officials of the Kurdistan Region will focus on the development of bilateral relations in trade, political, social, and security areas.
Bagheri arrived in Baghdad on Thursday, where he met with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Prior to this, he visited Lebanon and Syria, meeting with officials from both countries. This marks Bagheri’s first official visit to Erbil as the Acting Foreign Minister of Iran.
Following the deaths of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in a helicopter crash, Bagheri assumed the role of Acting Foreign Minister.
In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 on Tuesday, June 11, Bagheri highlighted Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Kurdistan Region.