Erbil Governor and Chinese Consul Discuss Developing Cooperation
ERBIL, August 26, 2026 — on Wednesday morning, Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, received Mr. Liu Jun, Consul General of the People's Republic of China at the governorate office.
The meeting was attended by Hemin Qadir, Deputy Governor of Erbil, and Brigadier Khasro, Director of Interior Affairs for the governorate. They discussed the importance of developing relations and cooperation between Erbil and the People's Republic of China.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening ties and coordination, as well as creating new opportunities to expand partnerships in various fields and projects.
The development and exchange of experience and expertise were also highlighted as fundamental pillars for bolstering cooperation. The Erbil Governorate reaffirmed that, due to its strategic position and economic and commercial potential, it consistently prioritizes developing relations with foreign companies and institutions.
In this context, cooperation with China in the fields of investment, trade, and service projects can serve as the foundation for a new phase of development in Erbil. The Governor and the Consul General emphasized strengthening cooperation across various sectors. They noted that more than 1,500 employees have already benefited from training courses held in China.
Additionally, they highlighted the opening of a Chinese Language Department at Salahaddin University and a Kurdish Language Department at a university in China, noting that these steps will have a very positive impact on future relations. Furthermore, regarding higher education,
it was noted that China provides annual scholarship offers to students from the Kurdistan Region, offering them significant academic opportunities. The discussions also addressed the construction of the Chinese Consulate building in Erbil, a project of great importance to the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Other topics included facilitating visa procedures for citizens of the Kurdistan Region, expanding investment and trade opportunities in public services, and the opening and activation of Chinese hybrid car companies in Erbil to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation. Relations between Erbil and China have grown significantly over the past years in the fields of investment, service projects, and culture.
Notable examples include the establishment of the China Friendship Park in Erbil, the lighting of Halabja Street, and several joint projects with the Chinese Consulate.
The Erbil Governorate continues its efforts to expand relations with international companies and institutions to create new opportunities for cooperation and investment within the province.
