Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (KRG.org) – Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani concluded a successful tour of Jordan and Egypt last week where he met with HRH King Abdullah, President Hosni Mubarak and Mr Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League.

King Abdullah and President Mubarak both informed the President of their decisions to open consulates in Erbil, which would make them the first Arab states to have a diplomatic presence in Kurdistan. Also, President Barzani, speaking in Egypt, said that the 2011 Arab League summit can be hosted in Erbil should it not be possible to do so in Baghdad.

The President’s tour underscores the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to having good relations with its neighbours in the Middle East and its commitment to friendship with Arab nations.

President Barzani said, “It was important for us to visit both Egypt and Jordan to explain the positions and policies of the Kurdistan Region directly, regarding relations with the Arab world and the situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The Kurdistan Region promotes the development of ties with Arab countries, and this visit was an important step in promoting a better understanding of the Kurdistan Region and the role of the Region as part of a federal, democratic Iraq.”

The Jordanian and Egyptian leaders expressed their satisfaction with the role of the Kurdistan Region leadership and were committed to strengthening long-term and mutually beneficial relationships.

Jordan
President Barzani began his overseas tour, which took place from July 3 to 6, with a visit to Jordan where he thanked King Abdullah and the Jordanian government for their continued support for Iraq. King Abdullah reaffirmed his support for security and stability in Iraq. The King decided that Jordan would open a consulate in Erbil, the first Arab state to do so, and instructed the Foreign Ministry to begin preparations in this regard.

As well as King Abdullah, the President also met with the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, President of the Royal Court, and other senior officials.

Relations between Jordan and Iraq were discussed, including strengthening economic ties between Jordan and the Kurdistan Region. The President stressed the economic development of the Kurdistan Region, and both sides discussed the process of government formation in Baghdad.

Arab League
The delegation then travelled to Cairo where President Barzani was received by Mr Moussa. The President and the Secretary-General of the Arab League discussed the situation in Iraq, including the formation of the federal government, the development of the Kurdistan Region in particular, and explored options to possibly accelerate efforts to form the federal government. There was also a fruitful exchange of views regarding cooperation between the Arab League and the Kurdistan Region, particular in regard to creating bridges for understanding and cultural awareness.
Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Mr Moussa told reporters, “I am pleased with my meeting with President Barzani and the discussions we had on Iraq, the unity of Iraq and its future.”

In his initial remarks, President Barzani said, “I had a good meeting with the Secretary General and we exchanged views on the situation in Iraq and the ongoing efforts to form the next government. We assured the Secretary General of our commitment to the unity of Iraq and to work towards a national unity government in Baghdad that is in the interest of both Iraq and the region.”

Answering a question on the recent bombardment of the Kurdistan Region border areas by Turkey and Iran, the President said that he recently visited Turkey and explained that he is for peaceful means to resolve the Kurdish issue inside Turkey and that violence is not the answer.

“Even the Turkish government has come to the conclusion that this issue cannot be resolved through military means. There has unfortunately been a re-occurrence of violence in recent days but I hope that this will not affect the peaceful ‘opening policy’ that the Turkish government has started. When there are problems on the borders, there would naturally be reactions, sometimes from Iran and sometimes from Turkey. We fully condemn the bombardment of the border areas,” the President said.

On the possibility of hosting the next Arab Summit meeting in 2011, the President said the Kurdistan Region is prepared to play its part. “I hope the security situation in Baghdad improves so it can host the summit meeting; if required, Erbil is prepared to be host.”

Egypt
The President was then received by President Mubarak and Egypt's Foreign Minister. The Presidents exchanged views on relations between Egypt and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region. The status of the federal government formation process was discussed. In addition, the expansion of economic relations was a main focus, specifically encouraging Egyptian investment in all of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

President Mubarak said that Egypt would also open a consulate in the Kurdistan Region, a decision warmly welcomed by President Barzani.

In other meetings, Egypt’s Prime Minister Dr Ahmed Nazif and members of his cabinet focused on the growing relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Egypt, economic ties and the role of the Kurdistan Region as the launching pad to commercial success in the rest of Iraq. The importance of visits and economic, educational and cultural cooperation were also discussed, as was the role of the business community.

The President travelled with a senior delegation including his Chief of Staff Dr. Fuad Hussein, Minister of Culture Kawa Shakir, Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, and Chairman of the Kurdistan Region Investment Board Minister Herish Muharam.

 

Source: KRG