1 May. 2008

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) – A Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation led by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani today in Baghdad met with a delegation from the Republic of Turkey headed by Mr Ahmet Davutoğlu, the senior advisor to the Turkish Prime Minister; Mr Murat Özçelik, the Special Coordinator for Iraqi Affairs at the Turkish Foreign Ministry; and Mr Derya Kanbay, Turkey's Ambassador in Baghdad.

This first high-level official meeting of both sides focused on a wide range of political, security and economic issues between Turkey and the KRG. The meeting was conducted in a cordial and open atmosphere in which both sides stressed similar views on many issues and expressed a desire for common understanding and interests. The meeting concluded with future practical steps laid out and a desire on both sides for continued dialogue.

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region's desire to develop good neighbourly relations with Turkey. He recognised Turkey's legitimate concerns and highlighted the importance of solving common problems through cooperation, political negotiation and dialogue.

The meeting in Baghdad follows efforts by the Iraqi federal government, such as the recent visit of Iraqi President Jalal Talabany to Ankara, and other friends, to enhance relations between both sides.