Iran "open to dialogue" with Kurdistan Region

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday that Iran welcomes dialogue with the Kurdistan Region.

Bahram Ghasemi, the spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Kurdistan24 that despite the differences with the Kurdistan Region, Iran is open to having talks with the officials to maintain and improve relations.

We had good relations [with the Kurdistan Region], although there have been ups and downs. We have some differences in matters and in others we are close, Ghasemi said. 

The Iranian official added that Iran wants to have good relations with the nations and the central government in Iraq.

Regarding the expected visit of Masoud Barzani, the Kurdistan Region's President to Tehran, Ghasemi said that he is aware of the trip but he did not reveal the topics Barzani might discuss with the Iranian officials.

Ghasemi added that any sort of negotiations and understanding between Iran and all political parties in the region is important.

On August 22, the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP) spokesperson announced that President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani accepted Tehran's invitation to visit Iran. The date is to be announced later.

The Kurdistan Region shares nearly 400 kilometers (249 miles) border with Iran.

KRG and Iran have working economic relations. KRG plans to build a pipeline to export the Region’s crude oil abroad.

Editing by Ava Homa