President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed President Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran and his delegation at Erbil International Airport on September 12.
During a meeting that included Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein, Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and other high-ranking officials from both sides, President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his pleasure regarding the visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The President reiterated that this inaugural visit of the Iranian President to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region serves as a significant symbol of the friendship shared between the two nations.
President Nechirvan Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region’s desire to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran in various fields. He highlighted the profound respect and appreciation the people of Kurdistan have for Iran’s continuous support during challenging times.
President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his contentment with his trip to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the importance the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches to its relationship with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized the dedication to strengthening collaboration in multiple areas and tackling any challenges that may emerge.
Both parties recognized the long-standing friendly relations that Iran has upheld with the Kurdistan Region in political, social, and cultural aspects. Subsequently, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the current state of economic relations and trade interactions, seeking ways to improve them and pinpointing potential areas for collaboration between Iran and the Kurdistan Region.
In another part of the meeting, several issues of mutual interest were discussed, with a particular focus on the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region. They stressed that the Kurdistan Region does not pose a threat to Iran or its neighboring countries and is fully dedicated to honoring the security agreement between Iraq and Iran.
After the meeting, President of the Kurdistan Region, together with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and his accompanying delegation, held a meeting with political parties and representatives from the diverse religious and ethnic communities in the Kurdistan Region.
The talks emphasized the importance of the relationship between Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Iran, as well as the value of their diverse, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic societies. The two sides reaffirmed their dedication to fostering peace, coexistence, solidarity, and brotherhood among the region’s peoples and all communities.
I am delighted to welcome Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to Kurdistan and Iraq on his first official visit abroad as President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Our discussions were constructive, focusing on strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and Iran, based on… pic.twitter.com/kZohp0xqoB
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) September 12, 2024
In a press conference following their meetings, President Nechirvan Barzani and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the situation in the region and several issues of mutual interest.
President Masoud Pezeshkian began by stating:
“The first step is to commend our brothers here, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, for their hospitality. They have emphasized the shared sacrifices we have made together.”
He continued his remarks, saying:
“It is a fact that Iran and this region have historically stood together through numerous events that have led to conflicts and tensions, often collaborating to address shared challenges. This perspective remains true today. In times of peace and stability, it is essential to leverage this historical partnership. By focusing on cultural, economic, political, and security cooperation, we can support one another and lay the groundwork for enhanced and strengthened relations.”
President Nechirvan Barzani then stated:
“The visit of the Iranian President was historic. Our aim is to enhance our relations in all fields.”
He further stated:
“I want to say that we, the people of the Kurdistan Region, along with our government officials and esteemed religious leaders present today, are pleased with the President’s visit to the Kurdistan Region during his trip to Iraq. We share much in common in terms of history, culture, and language.”
President Nechirvan Barzani also emphasized:
“The visit of the President, as the first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Erbil, is historic for us in every way. During our meetings, we discussed the development of relations, particularly on security issues. We have also stressed that the territory of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region should not be used against the Islamic Republic of Iran in any way.”
In response to a question, President Nechirvan Barzani added:
“Indeed, there are some problems, but we will solve them collaboratively as a team. The Kurdistan Region is ready to strengthen its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran across all sectors.”
At the end of the statement, President Pezeshkian said in Kurdish:
“I wish to convey my warm greetings. With God’s grace, we are here to strengthen our ties with Erbil, Kurdistan, and Iraq. God willing, we will address and resolve the challenges we have faced so far. Wishing you all safety.”
original article of the meeting
original article of the press conference
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