President Barzani Pursues Greater Cooperation with UAE

President Masoud Barzani this week paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates to strengthen political, economic, cultural and investment ties between the Emirates and the Kurdistan Region.

The President had meetings with the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and constitutional monarch of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to a stable and prosperous Iraq in which all its people can live together peacefully.

President Barzani expressed his admiration for the rapid economic development and progress that the UAE has witnessed and said that the Kurdistan Region can learn much from their experience. He described his visit as the start of a turning point in their relations, and said that Kurdistan is keen to increase economic cooperation with the UAE.

Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said to President Barzani that both sides would benefit from greater cooperation.

Both UAE leaders commended the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and its leadership for their achievements and the positive role they play in Iraq.

President Barzani visited Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted renewable energy company, on Tuesday to receive a brief on the UAE’s efforts in developing renewable energy solutions and clean technology.

He also met with the UAE’s Chambers of Commerce to discuss business and investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region.

The President and his accompanying delegation attended a number of other meetings with UAE leaders, focusing on further strengthening ties in areas including agriculture, tourism and industry.

During the three day visit, the President was accompanied by the KRG Deputy Prime Minister, Imad Ahmad, the KRG Minister of Planning, Ali Sindi, the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Falah Mustafa and the Head of the Board of Investment, Herish Muharam along with several KRG advisers.

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