Sanandaj Hosts Third Joint Meeting of Kurdistan Region-Iran Border Provinces
Today, Tuesday, May 20, 2023, the third joint meeting of the governors of the border provinces of the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran was held. It was attended by the Governors of Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja, and the Governors of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and West Azerbaijan, along with the Representative of the Supreme Leader, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran for Economic Affairs, and the Head of the Committee for Provincial Affairs in the Iranian Parliament. During the meeting, which was attended by the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil, the Director General of Region-Iran Relations, the heads of the Chambers of Commerce, representatives from the Iranian Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, and a number of other high-ranking officials from the Islamic Republic of Iran, several speeches were delivered. Emphasis was placed on strengthening overall relations between both sides and enhancing commercial and economic activity between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kurdistan Region.
Furthermore, they deemed the holding of these meetings as significant and essential for both parties. They reaffirmed their backing for agreements, understanding, and joint endeavors to promote and broaden economic interests between them and to bolster commercial movement and conditions at the border crossings linking the Kurdistan Region and Iran.
They also expressed hope that through mutual cooperation and coordination, enhanced understanding, and the implementation of necessary measures and mechanisms, trade and economic relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran could be further advanced.
In a speech representing the KRG delegation, the Governor of Erbil reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is committed at all levels to having strong relations with all countries, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is supportive and cooperative in achieving this goal.
He added that, as part of the efforts to advance relations, "We thank all those who facilitated this meeting and discussion, offering special thanks to the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil and the Governor of Kurdistan for their welcome and arrangements for the bilateral meetings.”
On the topic of Iranian pilgrims visiting the holy sites of Iraq through the Kurdistan Region, the Governor of Erbil stated that all facilities and services provided to the pilgrims in past years will continue.
Finally, he mentioned the projects, efforts, developments, and progress that have been realized in the Kurdistan Region, even despite the injustice inflicted by Baghdad through budget and salary cuts.
Following this, the Governors of Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja each delivered speeches. They highlighted the advancement of joint economic relations and expressed hope that these meetings and discussions would lead to the establishment of a mechanism for resolving issues and shortcomings and serve as a step towards promoting trade exchange and further developing and revitalizing the investment, industry, and tourism sectors between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
