Erbil–Ankara emphasize fostering economic relations

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister, Nechirvan Barzani, visited Istanbul on Saturday, discussed the bilateral relations between Erbil and Ankara with Turkish officials.

On Saturday, PM Barzani and his accompanied delegates arrived in Istanbul and met with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. In the meeting, the pair discussed the regional situation and Kurdistan Region–Turkey ties, especially regarding business and economic relations between both sides.

Davutoglu hoped that the ties would improve in all aspects, mentioning Turkey's relations with the Kurdistan Region as one of the most "foreign strategic relations" in Turkey. Additionally, he expressed the support of Ankara to the Kurdistan Region in battling against the Islamic State (IS).

Barzani noted, KRG importantly views its relations with all countries, especially Turkey. He hoped to foster ties between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey. Barzani thanked Turkey for supporting the KRG in the battle against the jihadists and aiding internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled to the Kurdistan Region.

In another part of the meeting, they discussed the current situation in the Kurdistan Region–Turkey border, specifically the clashes between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish army, which has caused the border crossing to be halted several times, causing heavy damage to KRG and Turkey.

Davutoglu emphasized the safety and stability of the border crossing as the tourist movements and business activities continue in the area.

On Saturday, PM Barzani also met with the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Barzani thanked Turkey for the humanitarian and military aid to the Kurdistan Region and hoped that Turkey's support to KRG would continue.