PM Masrour Barzani's Ankara Visit: A Step Toward Stronger Regional Partnerships

As the Middle East continues to face transformative changes, the collaboration between Erbil and Ankara is poised to play a vital role in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity for the region as a whole.

PM Masrour Barzani, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, FM Hakan Fidan meeting in Ankara, Turkey (Kurdistan 24)
PM Masrour Barzani, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, FM Hakan Fidan meeting in Ankara, Turkey (Kurdistan 24)

Jan 8, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday visited Ankara for a series of meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The visit comes at a critical time as the Middle East navigates shifting political and security landscapes, positioning the Kurdistan Region as a key player in regional stability and cooperation.

Strengthening Economic and Trade Relations

Prime Minister Barzani's discussions with Turkish leaders highlighted the growing economic and trade ties between Erbil and Ankara. With Turkey being a major trading partner for the Kurdistan Region, the talks emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in various sectors, particularly energy and infrastructure.

Barzani underscored the Kurdistan Region's commitment to diversifying its economy by expanding beyond oil and gas revenues. The Prime Minister expressed optimism about attracting international investment to the region, supported by Turkey's role as a gateway for global markets. This shared focus on economic growth reflects the mutual benefits of fostering closer partnerships.

Security and Regional Stability at the Forefront

Security concerns dominated the agenda, especially with ongoing challenges in neighboring Syria. The recent shifts in Syria's political structure have created new dynamics in the region, and both parties recognized the importance of addressing these developments proactively.

Turkey, which shares a long border with Syria, emphasized its commitment to ensuring the security of the region, particularly by countering the influence of groups it considers a threat, such as the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). For the Kurdistan Region, the stability of its neighbors is essential to maintaining its own security and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth.

The visit takes place amid Turkey's reiterated stance that the PKK and its affiliates have no role in shaping Syria's future, following last month's rebellion that led to the ousting of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.

Since Assad's departure, Turkey has intensified its calls for the disbandment of the YPG militia in northeast Syria. Ankara views the YPG as a branch of the PKK, a group classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

Erdogan Assures PM Barzani of Efforts to Secure Syria

President Erdogan assured Prime Minister Barzani that Turkey is actively working to stabilize Syria, a priority given the region's interconnected security concerns. Erdogan reiterated Turkey's stance on preventing the PKK and its affiliates from gaining further footholds in Syria, stressing that such groups pose threats to both Turkey's national security and the broader region's stability.

The talks also delved into strategies for addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syria, ensuring that displaced populations have the support they need while promoting long-term peace efforts. Both leaders acknowledged the critical role of regional partnerships in addressing these challenges effectively.

Furthermore, Erdogan and Barzani agreed on the need for enhanced coordination between Erbil and Ankara on cross-border security measures and intelligence sharing to tackle terrorism and organized crime. The Prime Minister highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s ongoing efforts to facilitate stability and security in Iraq and beyond, aligning with Turkey's regional goals.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s visit to Ankara marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey. The discussions on economic development, regional security, and shared strategies for addressing challenges in Syria underscore the importance of partnership in navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

As the Middle East continues to face transformative changes, the collaboration between Erbil and Ankara is poised to play a vital role in fostering peace, stability, and prosperity for the region as a whole.