Kurdistan Region, Qatar Deepen Energy Ties During PM Masrour Barzani’s Visit to Doha

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a move that could reshape energy cooperation in the region, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, in Doha on Tuesday to discuss expanding strategic ties in the energy sector.

The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Qatar, particularly in the areas of oil, gas, and sustainable energy development.

According to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the leaders emphasized their mutual interest in bolstering energy partnerships and exploring joint investment opportunities.

“The meeting discussed strengthening and promoting relations between the Kurdistan Region and Qatar in the energy sector,” the statement read, reflecting growing diplomatic and economic engagement between Erbil and Doha.

Prime Minister Barzani’s meeting with Al-Kaabi followed his arrival in the Qatari capital on Monday, for an official visit at the invitation of Qatari leadership. During his first day in Doha, Prime Minister Barzani also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, where both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties.

Read More: PM Barzani’s Official Visit to Qatar Strengthens Bilateral Ties

In addition to these meetings, Barzani held talks with Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), highlighting potential areas for strategic investment in the Kurdistan Region. The QIA, which oversees tens of billions of dollars in sovereign wealth, is increasingly looking toward stable, resource-rich regions like Kurdistan for future ventures. The discussions also involved Mohammed al-Sowaidi, CEO of the QIA, focusing on investment opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and financial reforms.

Read More: PM Barzani Meets with Top Qatari Official to Strengthen Economic Ties

This diplomatic mission builds on the momentum created during the inauguration of the Qatari Consulate General in Erbil in May 2024. At that time, Prime Minister Barzani had underscored the Kurdistan Region’s openness to Qatari investment and expressed his government's readiness to provide all necessary facilities to Qatari investors.

In his speech, Barzani hailed Qatar’s success in energy, construction, and prosperity as a model and invited Qatari businesses to invest in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and industry in the Kurdistan Region.

“The opening of the Qatari Consulate General will strengthen our relations in various fields, especially in the fields of trade, agriculture, culture and higher education,” Barzani had stated during the consulate’s opening ceremony. He also emphasized that the Kurdistan Region, with its stability and favorable investment climate, offers an ideal environment for long-term partnerships.

Read More: KRG provides Qatari investors with any facilities needed: PM Barzani

Prime Minister Barzani’s visit to Doha, therefore, comes amid broader efforts by the Kurdistan Regional Government to diversify its economic partnerships and secure international collaboration in critical infrastructure, energy, and development projects. Qatar, as one of the world’s leading energy producers, is seen as a vital partner in advancing Kurdistan’s ambitions to modernize its energy infrastructure and expand gas exports.

This diplomatic mission also reflects the Kurdistan Region’s strategic outreach under Barzani’s leadership to forge closer ties with key Gulf states, positioning Erbil as both a reliable energy player and a regional hub for investment.

As global demand for energy diversification and sustainable development rises, the Kurdistan Region’s dialogue with Qatar could pave the way for innovative partnerships, from liquefied natural gas (LNG) collaboration to renewable energy projects. With Qatar’s technical expertise and investment capacity, and Kurdistan’s vast energy resources, the future of bilateral cooperation appears poised for significant growth.

Further details about prospective agreements or projects were not disclosed, but both sides are expected to continue their dialogue through working-level discussions in the coming months. The meetings in Doha underscore the Kurdistan Region’s continued efforts to enhance its international profile and economic resilience through robust, strategic partnerships.