Urmia... the launch of the first trade forum between the Kurdistan Region provinces and the Iranian border provinces

On Thursday June 1, 2023, in the city of Urmia, West Azerbaijan Governorate, the first forum of the governors of the border areas of the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran was held in the presence of the Interior Minister, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Commercial Affairs, the governors of Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, Halabja, the governors of West Azerbaijan, Urmia, Sanaa, Kermanshah, and the supervisors of the autonomous administrations of Germiyan, Soran, and Raparin.

Over two days, the inaugural forum of Iranian border provinces with the Kurdistan Region will discuss measures to increase bilateral trade exchange, expand border markets, and improve bilateral relations in many economic, political, and cultural spheres.

In their speeches, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Commercial Affairs and the governors of Urmia, Kermanshah, and Sunnah emphasized the importance of holding this meeting to strengthen public and joint economic relations, increase cooperation, coordination, and mutual understanding, and put in place the necessary measures and mechanisms to increase trade traffic at border crossings between the Kurdistan Region and Iran. They expressed gratitude for the Kurdistan Regional Government's cooperation and support.

For his part, the Iranian Minister of the Interior praised the Kurdistan Regional Government for providing security, transportation, and lodging for Iranian visitors to the holy shrines in Iraq, adding, "I was amazed by the services provided by the regional government to the visitors," and he thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government, particularly the governor of Erbil.

The Governor of Erbil, on behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government delegation, conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister and confirmed that the President of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, supports the development of public and economic relations between the two parties.

In addition, he conveyed the greetings of the Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the meeting's participants and indicated his willingness to strengthen and develop relations.

He stated that the Kurdistan Regional Government seeks good relations with all neighboring countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran, and requested assistance from the Islamic Republic of Iran's Minister of Interior to open the gates of "Sidakan, Kailashin, and shnu".

The governor of Erbil added that the opening of this gate will benefit the residents of the region, and at the same time, it will be an additional important gate between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Kurdistan Regional Government has made all necessary preparations and is prepared to open the gate.

Then, the governors of Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja, the supervisors of the autonomous administrations, delivered speeches highlighting the progress of joint economic relations and expressing optimism that these meetings and future meetings will result in the establishment of a mechanism to resolve issues. Promote commercial exchanges and revitalize the investment, industry, and tourism sectors.