Archive for month: May, 2016

The new special issue of Kurdistan Review has been produced by the InvestIn Group (IIG) in partnership with the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations (DFR).

The IIG team has met with government officials and key players from the private sector to examine recent developments in the Kurdistan Region. As such Kurdistan Review focuses 
on diplomacy, business, energy, IT & telecom, higher education, and agriculture.

Notably, “Kurdistan Review” includes exclusive interviews and analysis pieces with leading players from various sectors, who discuss the business environment in the Kurdistan Region, and their key projects that are helping to promote further growth in the Region.

The Kurdistan Region has remained 
safe, stable, and open for business in
spite of the recent political turmoil in 
the region. The support of the international
 community for the Kurdistan Region 
in its fight against ISIL terrorism reflects an investment in the future of Kurdistan and its people, the publication highlights.

In this edition, Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani says, “our aim is to achieve economic stability and sustainable growth in the Kurdistan Region. We are determined to reorganize the structure of public banks, to modernize the financial sector, to reinvigorate our economy and to galvanize support for the private sector. We are also committed to strengthening transparency and accountability within the government.”

The Kurdistan Review 2016 includes two supplements: a guide to key attractions in the Kurdistan Region, and a start-up guide for businesses seeking to establish a foothold.

Commenting on the release of the new issue of Kurdistan Review, Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, said, “Kurdistan Review is the most comprehensive economic review to cover our key industries and economy. Our broad aim is to show that Kurdistan is open to establish diplomatic relationships and making new businesses.”

An interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Falah Mustafa, by Francisco Carrión, El Mundo. Original interview in Spanish here 

A century ago French and British secretly  reach an accord, known as the Sykes-Picot agreement, by which most of the Arab lands under the rule of the Ottoman Empire are to be divided into British and French spheres of influence with the conclusion of World War I. The Sykes-Picot agreement celebrated its centenary in May 19th, with the Middle East full of problems and divided by the war against self – proclaimed Islamic State caliphate. The Kurds have also celebrated the expiration of the agreement. In Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, a symbolic funeral crossed the downtown streets with the dream of independence, which looks coming closer and closer. “The referendum is a right of the Kurdish people to express their opinion. Since the establishment of Iraq, we have never been treated as equals,” said Falah Mustafa, Kurdish foreign minister, in an interview with El Mundo.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a senior British military delegation, headed by Lieutenant-General Tom Beckett.

The visiting delegation praised the role of the Kurdistan Region military forces, the Peshmerga, in the fight against terrorism and reiterated UK’s support for the Kurdistan Region.

Lieutenant-General Beckett stressed the need for closer cooperation among all parties involved in the fight against the so called Islamic State terrorist organization, particularly in the anticipated operation to liberate the city of Mosul from ISIS.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his government’s gratitude for United Kingdom’s continuous military assistance. He said combating terrorism is a top priority of his government since terrorism is a global threat.

The relations between Erbil and Baghdad, political developments in the region and post-ISIS planning were also among the topics discussed in the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Kurdistan Region Presidency Chief of Staff Dr. Fuad Hussein, Minister of Interior Karim Sinjari and the head of Department of Foreign Relations Falah Mustafa.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani yesterday received Mr. Mahmoud Alavi, Minister of intelligence of Islamic Republic of Iran and his accompanying delegation.

Mr Alavi said that Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Kurdistan Region, stressing that these relations have deep historical roots.

The delegation stated that Iran has always considered the Kurdistan Region as a friendly neighbour and a factor of stability in the region.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran for its support to the Kurdistan Region, expressing the Region’s readiness to work to strengthen and develop bilateral relations in various fields.

The two sides exchanged views and on the current situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and the war against the Islamic State terrorist organization, ISIS.

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met with Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti and her accompanying delegation.

In a meeting, attended by senior civilian and military officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Minister Pinotti commended Kurdish military forces and Kurdistan Regional Government for their advances in the fight against terror.

Minister Pinotti also said that her country is ready to “strengthen its commitment” to the Kurdistan Region.  She stressed the need for increased cooperation between the Peshmargas and coalition forces, especially the Italian troops present in the region.

For his part, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation to the people and Government of Italy for their continuous support in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist organization.  Prime Minister Barzani conveyed his gratitude to the Italian Prime Minister, who visited Kurdistan Region to show his solidarity when ISIS started attacking Iraqi Kurdistan.

Moreover, Mr. Barzani said Kurdistan Regional Government is proud of its friendly relations with Italy and expressed his willingness to work with Italy on military, political and security issues.