KRG Representative Discusses Strengthening Ties with Belgian Federal Parliament

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Dr. Delavar Khalid Ajgeyi, the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Representative to the European Union, led a delegation to the Belgian Federal Parliament, where he met with Els Van Hoof, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Ruben Vanhaverbeke, Parliamentary Advisor.

The meeting underscored the deepening relations between the Kurdistan Region and Belgium, highlighting opportunities for enhanced cooperation in political, economic, and security matters.

During the discussions, Ajgeyi provided an overview of the evolving political landscape in the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing its strategic importance in the region. He addressed the ongoing relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government of Iraq, particularly focusing on the critical issue of oil exports.

He noted the detrimental impact of the federal government’s suspension of the KRG budget and civil servant salaries, stressing that such measures have severe repercussions for the economic stability of the region.

The delegation also shed light on the security dynamics in the Middle East, particularly the role of Kurdish leadership in fostering stability. Ajgeyi highlighted the constructive role of President Masoud Barzani in regional peace efforts and the necessity of sustained international support to maintain security.

A major point of discussion was the potential resurgence of ISIS and the ongoing efforts to counter extremism, with both parties agreeing on the need for continued vigilance and collaboration to prevent the group's resurgence.

Investment opportunities were another key focus of the meeting, as Ajgeyi outlined the vast economic potential of the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized agriculture and tourism as prime sectors for investment, noting that with the right partnerships, Kurdish products could find their way into European markets, including Belgium. He invited Belgian businesses to explore these opportunities and engage in joint ventures that could further bolster economic ties.

Another significant topic was the need to strengthen parliamentary relations between the Kurdistan Parliament and the Belgian Federal Parliament. Both parties agreed that fostering closer legislative ties would enhance diplomatic engagement and provide a platform for continued dialogue on mutual interests.

The discussion also touched upon broader regional developments, including the ongoing situation in Syria and the role of Kurdish forces in maintaining stability amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Els Van Hoof expressed her appreciation for the KRG Representative’s visit and reiterated Belgium’s recognition of the Kurdistan Region’s strategic importance in the Middle East. She acknowledged the significant contributions of Kurdish leadership in combating extremism and fostering peace, affirming Belgium’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with the Kurdistan Region.

She further emphasized the European Union’s interest in developing deeper economic and security collaborations with the Kurdistan Region, recognizing its vital role in the broader regional framework.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, ensuring continued dialogue between both governments and fostering economic and security partnerships that would benefit both the Kurdistan Region and Belgium.