In a significant diplomatic move, a UAE delegation led by His Excellency Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajeri, Minister of State and Economic Advisor to the Foreign Minister, is actively exploring ways to strengthen cooperation with the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This engagement reflects a broader commitment to foster relationships not only between the UAE and Iraq as a whole but also to enhance collaborative measures within the investment, economic, and cultural spheres specifically in the Kurdistan region.
During the visit to Kurdistan, the UAE delegation met with His Excellency Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party; His Excellency Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq; His Excellency Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region; and His Excellency Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the region.
During the meeting, they discussed ways to develop relations between the UAE and the Republic of Iraq in general, and the Kurdistan region in particular, as well as to enhance joint cooperation in various economic, investment, and cultural fields. Minister Al-Hajeri conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, to the leaders of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the Prime Minister of the region, wishing them further progress and prosperity for the Republic of Iraq and the Kurdistan region.
In turn, the leaders of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and the Prime Minister of the region sent their greetings to Minister Al-Hajeri, extending their best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, wishing the UAE and its people continued development and growth.
The leaders expressed their welcome for this visit, which embodies both parties’ commitment to strengthening ties and enhancing bilateral cooperation to serve their mutual interests.
Meetings and Tours
The delegation, which included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and the “Alif” Foundation, met with His Excellency Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Foreign Relations Department; His Excellency Umid Sabah, Minister of the Presidency of the Region; His Excellency Mohammed Shukri, Head of the Investment Authority; His Excellency Sasan Auni, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism; Mr. Umid Khushnaw, Governor of Erbil; and Mr. Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Director of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The visit also included a tour of the most important archaeological sites in the region, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Minister Al-Hajeri praised the architectural renaissance and notable progress in the Kurdistan region of Iraq across various sectors, affirming the deep historical and close ties between the two brotherly countries, which encompass various political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian aspects.