PM Masrour Barzani navigates complex international relations, welcomes global investment
PM Barzani advocated for a pragmatic approach: "We have good relations with the United States and with all of our Western friends, but that doesn't mean that we can't have good relations with China or any other country in the world."
Nov. 23, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of Kurdistan Region defended his government's open investment policy during MEPS24, emphasizing the region's commitment to maintaining balanced relationships with global powers including the United States, China, Russia, and Turkey.
Addressing concerns about Chinese investment in the region, PM Barzani advocated for a pragmatic approach: "We have good relations with the United States and with all of our western friends, but that doesn't mean that we can't have good relations with China or any other country in the world."
He noted that Chinese companies are already active investors in both Iraq and Kurdistan Region.
The Prime Minister revealed that, contrary to experiences of other Middle Eastern nations, Kurdistan has not faced direct pressure from the United States regarding Chinese investments.
"To be fair, we are not being pressured to not have investments from the Chinese by the Americans or the Western countries," he stated.
PM Barzani also highlighted positive relationships with Turkey, citing good economic trade and security cooperation, and confirmed normal relations with Russia, noting the presence of major Russian energy companies Rosneft and Gazpromneft in the region.