Latvian Ambassador Visits Kurdistan

The Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Turkey, Iran, and Iraq, Mr. Atis Sjanits, visited the KRG Department of Foreign Relations on Monday to discuss political, security, and humanitarian developments in Kurdistan and the wider Region.

In his first visit to the Kurdistan Region, Ambassador Sjanits commended the KRG for the security and stability of the region as well as its economic developments.

Minister Falah Msutafa, Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, welcomed Ambassador Sjanits and congratulated him on his appointment as the ambassador of Latvia to Iraq. He briefed the Ambassador on the advances of Peshmerga forces against Daesh, the condition and needs of refugees and displaced people, as well as the political process in Iraq.

Ambassador Sjanits, stated, “As Latvia is heading the Presidency of the Council of European Union during the first half of 2015, it is of paramount importance for us to be aware of the latest security, political, and humanitarian developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

Praising the role of Kurdistan Peshmerga forces, Ambassador Sjanits stressed, “We very much value the role of Peshmerga forces in the fight against Daesh. They have shown us in many battles that they are capable of defeating this terrorist organization.”

Both sides agreed that a genuine regional and international cooperation is needed to defeat Daesh in Syria and Iraq.

During he meeting, both sides also discussed potential areas of cooperation between Kurdistan and Latvia. Ambassador Sjanits said that “There are a number of Latvian companies and businessmen working in the Kurdistan Region in cooperation with the Erbil Chamber of Commerce. We plan to increase our level of economic activities in this Region and to enhance bilateral ties.”

Likewise, Minister Mustafa expressed the desire of the KRG to increase bilateral ties with Latvia and voiced the readiness of DFR to facilitate such cooperation.

(Source: KRG)