ARMENIA SEEKS TO DEVELOP RELATIONS WITH KURDISTAN

Department of Foreign Relations, Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq
Aug 6 2013

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) – The Head of the KRG Department of
Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa received the Armenian Deputy
Minister of Economy, Mr. Tigran Harutyunyan, and his accompanying
delegation today.

The delegation includes an Armenian Member of Parliament, Mr. Manvel
Badeyan; the Ambassador of Armenia to Iraq, Mr. Murad Muradian, and
leaders and representatives from Armenian businesses. The aim of the
visit is to further develop ties between Kurdistan and Armenia,

Speaking on behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Minister
Mustafa said that the KRG is dedicated to solidifying relations with
Armenia. He said, ‘We have seen a commitment to further developing
relations from both side, and I hope that Armenia opens a diplomatic
representation in Kurdistan to increase political, economic and
social relations’

He also added that diplomatic presence would help further develop
cultural and educational exchanges between both sides.

The meeting also touched on the tragic and difficult past that both
nations have endured in their history with Minister Mustafa briefing
the Deputy Minister about the path which the Kurdistan Regional
Government has adopted in order to be successful. This includes the
passage of investor friendly laws in Kurdistan, opening up to the
international community and helping establish Kurdistan as a gateway
to the rest of Iraq.

Deputy Minister Harutyunyan underlined significant interest shown by
Armenian companies to invest in Kurdistan and that they were examining
the possibilities of joint ventures with local businesses. He added
that he is hopeful of Armenia opening up a diplomatic representative
office, but said that discussions on the details remain ongoing
within the Armenian government. He also spoke about the universities
and educational facilities that exist in Armenia and how they may
be of use to people from Kurdistan, emphasising on the importance of
building relations between not only the leaders but also between the
people of Armenia and Kurdistan.

Minister Mustafa expressed his hope that the visit will provide
them with an opportunity to realise what Kurdistan has to offer. He
highlighted the safety and stability being a key factor in the economic
development of Kurdistan and noted that the KRG has earmarked three key
sectors for investment, which are agriculture, industry and tourism.

The Deputy Minister thanked the Department of Foreign Relations
for their assistance so far and expressed his pleasure at meeting
with Minister Mustafa. Also present in the meeting were a number of
officials from the KRG Department of Foreign Relations.