پەرلەمانی کوردستان
Erbil, Kurdistan Region
February 17, 2025
President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting with Majid Takht-Ravanchi, the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, both parties addressed the enhancement of relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Region, focusing on the expansion of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the economic sector. They also shared perspectives on the execution of the agreement between Iraq and Iran aimed at safeguarding border security, highlighting the role and collaboration of the Kurdistan Region in this context.
President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Region's commitment to being a contributor to peace and stability in the region, asserting that it will not act as a source of threat or instability for neighboring nations. He also spoke about the importance of relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran based on good neighborliness and common interests.
Additionally, the meeting covered the regional situation and other relevant issues of shared interest.
After the meeting, the Kurdistan Region President and the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister discussed the contents of the meeting in a joint press conference.
President Nechirvan Barzani said:
“I warmly welcome Mr. Majid Takht Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kurdistan Region. We emphasize the importance of our historical relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, which are based on good neighborliness and common interests. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been an important partner for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
“We in the Kurdistan Region believe that a strong and balanced relationship between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran is essential to strengthen regional stability. Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have always tried to build relations with neighboring countries, especially the Islamic Republic, based on respect, common interests and cooperation in all areas.
“We stress the importance of strengthening Iran's cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in order to achieve security and stability and expand cooperation in all fields, including economic, trade, cultural and security.
“We reiterate that the Kurdistan Region will be a factor of peace and stability in the region and will not allow it to become a source of threat to neighboring countries, especially to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
“We stressed the importance of promoting economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and reaffirmed our commitment to the framework of security mechanisms that will help ensure that Iraq, and the Kurdistan region in particular, does not pose a threat to Iran’s security. Once again, we warmly welcome the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, who is visiting the Kurdistan Region for the first time.”
Then the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran said in a speech:
“In the name of Allah, the Merciful, I am glad to have the opportunity to be with you today in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Yesterday I was in Baghdad for political talks with the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we had very good discussions with Iraqi officials in various fields. There is a lot in common between our two neighboring countries.
“I am in Erbil this morning and we had a good discussion with the officials of the Kurdistan Regional Government, with Mr. Massoud Barzani and Mr. Masrour Barzani and now I am here with Mr. Nechirvan Barzani and we are very grateful for their warm welcome.
“Today, as two neighboring countries of Iraq and Iran, we discussed many good topics, and as I said, we have a lot in common with the Kurdistan Region in terms of culture, religion, language, history and civilization.
“During today’s talks in Erbil, we discussed economic issues with our neighbors, and of course we will continue to work in the tourism sector and build on the experience of working between our two governments. There are many good ways to strengthen relations between our peoples.
“Security was a key topic of our discussions, and we are committed to following up on this critical matter. We firmly believe that the security of Iraq is inextricably linked to our own security interests. Similarly, the security of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region is of utmost importance to us. It is imperative that we work together to address the challenges and problems that exist in this domain.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Nechirvan Barzani and the esteemed officials of the Kurdistan Region for their warm welcome. We are hopeful that these constructive discussions will continue in the future.”
