KRG welcomes increase in diplomatic representations in Kurdistan Region
KRG.org
May 31, 2009
Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) warmly welcomes the recent increase in diplomatic representations to the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, in full coordination with Iraq’s federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Kingdom of Sweden has become the 16th nation to establish diplomatic representation in the Kurdistan Region. The KRG congratulates Sweden on this step and looks forward to strengthening relations and cooperation in a number of sectors.
Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani has emphasized the importance of outreach and strengthened relations with foreign governments and companies as the Kurdistan Region continues its process of reconstruction and improvement to its institutional capacity. The KRG has promoted relations with Arab states in particular.
Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, heralded the rapid development of the international diplomatic community in the Kurdistan Region. “This is an essential step towards facilitating coordination with firms and governments from around the world, and will serve as a bridge for cooperative initiatives in a wide variety of sectors, including infrastructure development, commerce, industry, agriculture, and cultural and educational exchange.”
He added, “With the opening of each new diplomatic office, our Region takes a step forward in terms of building new and important relationships. We are confident that more offices will open in the future, and we welcome all who wish to join us here in Erbil.”
A number of nations are in the process of completing the necessary protocol procedures to establish diplomatic ties with the Kurdistan Region. Qatar, for example, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the KRG which included consideration of such a step. Four nations have established full consulates general in the Region – the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Republic of France.
The following nations have Embassy Offices in the Region – the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Austria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Italy, and the Hellenic Republic of Greece have established trade offices.
The Kingdom of Netherlands, the Kingdom of Spain, Japan, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the Kingdom of Sweden have Honorary Consuls to represent them in the Kurdistan Region.
Tagged in: diplomats ad Kurdistan, Kurd and foreign ties
