Erbil Governor and Şırnak Governor Emphasize Strengthening Relations Between the Two Governorates, More Facilities for Businessmen, and Better Service for Citizens
Today, Monday, October 13, 2025, Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, received Birol Ekici, Governor of Şırnak, and Erman Topçu, the new Consul General of Turkey in Erbil, along with their accompanying delegation at the Governorate Diwan. The delegation included Mehmet Yarka, Mayor of Şırnak; Osman Geliş, President of the Şırnak Chamber of Commerce; and Ömer Faruk Yıldırım, President of the Cizre Chamber of Commerce, who visited the capital Erbil upon the official invitation of the Governor of Erbil.
In a meeting attended by Masoud Karash, Deputy Governor; Hoshang Ahmed, Head of Kurdistan Region-Turkey Relations; Akram Ahmed, Assistant Governor; Karzan Abdulhadi, Mayor of Erbil; and Gailan Haji Saeed, President of Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Governor of Erbil warmly welcomed them and emphasized strengthening bilateral relations.
He highlighted their cooperation and coordination for better service to citizens and wished them a pleasant stay in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. He also discussed mechanisms for further facilitating trade between the two governorates, reiterating that these facilities should lead to increased commercial exchange between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region, in addition to tourist traffic between the two sides.
Afterward, the Governor of Şırnak generally discussed the history of his city and the region in terms of culture, art, literature, and tourism. He also highlighted industrial, economic, and commercial issues within his province. Later, he respectfully evaluated and praised the duties and work of the Governor of Erbil, saying, "I am happy to see that you have built a beautiful and green city in the plains, and I hope the relationship between the two cities of Şırnak and Erbil, both of which are continuously developing, will further advance."
Regarding the three international crossings of Ibrahim Khalil, Sarzêr, and Zêt between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region, which hold significant economic, commercial, and touristic importance for both sides, the Governor of Erbil expressed the readiness of the Kurdistan Regional Government and Erbil Governorate to provide all facilities and assistance to activate these crossings economically and commercially, with the aim of improving and further developing commercial, cultural, educational, artistic, and agricultural relations between them.
Later, regarding the peace process in Turkey, the Governor of Erbil stated that what is felt in the Republic of Turkey and Turkish Kurdistan, and what the people desire, is the advancement of the peace process. In the peace process, both the state and the people benefit. In the past, President Barzani and the Kurdistan Region had an effective role in that process and supported it. "We, as the Kurdistan Regional Government, the people of the Kurdistan Region, and politicians, support the process and hope that Turkey will always be in peace and stability."
In another part of the meeting, discussions were held regarding further advancing scientific relations between the universities of Şırnak and Erbil, the capital, and facilitating studies for students from both sides in universities. They deemed it necessary for relations between universities to take better steps and witness further progress.
Then, the Governor of Şırnak officially invited the Governor of Erbil to visit their city to further strengthen relations between the two governorates, and the Governor of Erbil gratefully accepted the invitation.
Finally, the visiting delegation thanked the Governor of Erbil for their invitation and reception, emphasized strengthening relations between the two governorates, and expressed their pleasure at visiting the capital Erbil and the peace, security, and prosperity established in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.
