Romanian Ambassador Praises Kurdistan Region’s Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
“Fortunately, relations have strengthened again, and a considerable number of Romanian companies have returned to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq,” he said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Romania’s economic and trade relations with the Kurdistan Region are recovering, with Romanian companies returning to the region and exploring new investment opportunities, Romanian Ambassador to Iraq Radu Dobre told Kurdistan24 on Monday.
In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, Dobre said relations between Romania, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq were expanding across several areas, including trade, investment, higher education, visa procedures, and regional security.
He described ties with the Kurdistan Region as strong, highlighting a long history of economic and commercial cooperation as well as direct connections between the two peoples.
“We have a very good relationship with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. We have rich experience in economic and trade cooperation, but more importantly, direct relations between our people,” Dobre said.
He noted that Romania hosts a significant Kurdish community that has integrated well into Romanian society. Thousands of Kurdish students have also graduated from Romanian universities, strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two sides.
Romanian companies resume operations in the Kurdistan Region
Dobre said many Romanian companies had operated in the Kurdistan Region in previous years, but their presence declined due to the war against the Islamic State (ISIS), tensions between Erbil and Baghdad, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Fortunately, relations have strengthened again, and a considerable number of Romanian companies have returned to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq,” he said.
The ambassador added that Romanian companies and specialists were familiar with the local market and continued to follow emerging investment opportunities. Some companies also share information with the Romanian Embassy to obtain security and economic assessments before making business decisions.
He further noted that one of Romania’s largest domestic investors is Kurdish, underscoring the role of the Kurdish community in economic relations between the two sides.
Romania highlights opportunities for Kurdish students
The ambassador described Romania as an attractive destination for Kurdish students, citing the quality of its higher education, relatively affordable tuition fees compared with other countries, and its strategic geographical location.
He said Romania offers several scholarship programs annually for different levels of study and encouraged students from the Kurdistan Region to monitor available opportunities.
Dobre also revealed that Romania was in discussions with the Iraqi government over an agreement that would enable it to provide additional scholarships.
Regarding visa applications, he explained that Romania’s membership in the European Union and the Schengen Area means applicants from the Kurdistan Region must comply with the relevant official visa requirements and procedures.
Ambassador praises Kurdistan Region's development
Dobre praised the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for its achievements in infrastructure development, public services, and urban renewal.
He said the region had developed strong infrastructure and that its cities had undergone significant revitalization, reflecting progress in urban development and the delivery of public services.
His remarks highlighted infrastructure and urban renewal as important areas of the Kurdistan Region’s development, alongside opportunities for further economic cooperation with Romanian businesses.
NATO mission focused on advice and training
Addressing the role of international forces in Iraq, Dobre clarified that NATO’s mission was not intended to involve direct combat.
“Let me correct a common misconception: NATO’s mission here has not been to fight or engage in direct confrontation. NATO units have been here to provide advice and training,” he said.
He added that the advisory mission continued despite the withdrawal of some forces.
Ambassador urges diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts
Dobre also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts and instability in the Middle East, calling for disputes to be resolved through diplomacy and peaceful means.
“We hope that the problems in the Middle East will be resolved through peace and diplomacy, because these conflicts have dangerous consequences for the entire world,” he said.
Drawing parallels with Russia’s war against Ukraine, the ambassador said both conflicts had caused significant damage to the global economy and intensified migration crises.
He expressed hope that both wars would end as soon as possible, stressing the importance of peace and stability for the wider international community.