Kurdistan Region seeks to widen relations with Russia
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday hoping to foster bilateral relations.
The Kurdish delegation, headed by PM Barzani, arrived in Russia to participate in the 2016 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Following the forum, Barzani met Lavrov to discuss the bilateral relations.
During the meeting, Barzani highlighted Russia’s energy companies in the Kurdistan Region and Moscow’s support for the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in the fight against the Islamic State (IS).
Barzani hoped to strengthen political, economic, cultural and agricultural relations between both sides, asking Russia to provide more support to the Region in those areas.
The current financial situation in Kurdistan and the fight against IS extremists were other topics discussed during the meeting.
Additionally, on Thursday evening, Barzani met Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak. The PM praised the role of Russian energy companies in the Kurdistan Region and wished that they would increase their investment and contribute in other sectors.
Barzani expressed support for Russian companies to continue to invest in the Kurdistan Region. He noted that despite the financial crisis, Russia’s Gazprom continues to work in the oil sector of the Region.
Barzani added that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) would continue to provide facilities for the company.
St. Petersburg International Economic Forum launched its 20th annual meeting on June 16 and will continue until June 18.
The Kurdish delegation is expected to meet with more Russian officials during the remainder of the forum.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany