Erbil Governor and Finnish Ambassador Emphasize Strengthening Relations

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, received Antti Putkonen, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Iraq, at the Governorate Diwan.
 

In the meeting, attended by Brigadier General Khosraw Ghazi, Director of Internal Affairs of the Governorate, and Rikan Zaki, Director of Relations, the Governor of Erbil congratulated the new Finnish Ambassador to Iraq and wished him success in his duties. Then, discussions were held regarding the general situation in the region, especially the Iraqi Council of Representatives elections. The latest developments in Iraq and the region, and the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad were highlighted, and continuous discussions to resolve issues between Erbil and Baghdad were emphasized.
 

In another part of the meeting, the Finnish Ambassador to Iraq expressed his pleasure at visiting the capital of the Kurdistan Region, Erbil. He also highly valued the stability and progress of the Kurdistan Region and highlighted mechanisms for strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and his country, emphasizing his country's desire to advance its relations with the Kurdistan Region, especially in areas of mutual interest.
 

In this regard, the Governor of Erbil thanked the people and government of Finland for assisting the Kurdistan Region. He also praised the role of his country's forces and allies in combating terrorism and providing assistance to the Kurdistan Region, noting that the Kurdistan Region has always strived to play a significant role in Iraq's stability.
He then outlined all the important and strategic projects that have been implemented in Erbil Governorate in recent years despite the crises and difficult financial situation and the oppression carried out by Baghdad against the Kurdistan Region.
 

At the end of the meeting, while both sides emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation and relations in various fields, the role of the Kurdish diaspora in Finland was mentioned, where a large number of them reside.
 

For this purpose, the Governor of Erbil expressed hope that to further advance the general, cultural, artistic, and commercial relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Republic of Finland, their country would open a consulate in the capital Erbil.