PM Barzani continues meeting top officials in Davos

KRG PM Masrour Barzani (left) and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres meeting (right) in Davos on January 22, 2025. Photo: KRG
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday held another round of meetings with top officials from various countries on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Prime Minister Barzani met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

“The general situation in Iraq and the issues between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region were discussed, and emphasis was placed on respecting the constitutional and financial rights of the Kurdistan Region,” said Barzani’s office in a statement. 

The Kurdish prime minister also met with the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the sidelines of the forum on Wednesday.

“I had a productive conversation with @MinPres Dick Schoof at #WEF25 about KRI [Kurdistan Region of Iraq] -Netherlands relations. We touched on regional challenges, especially in Syria, and emphasized peace, stability, and an inclusive political process in the country,” Barzani wrote on X.

Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two governments, according to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The Netherlands has been actively involved in the Kurdistan Region. Amsterdam, as a member of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS), has helped implement a Peshmerga reform plan.

Barzani also met the Iranian Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif.

“The meeting discussed the development of relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran and the general situation in Iraq and the region, especially Syria,” the KRG wrote.

The Kurdistan Region and Iran enjoy good ties. 
 
The prime minister also held talks with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister Majid al-Qassabi to discuss strengthening relations “especially in the field of trade and investment,” read a KRG statement.

Barzani on Tuesday also met Saudi Arabia’s Investment Minister, Khalid al-Falih. They both expressed readiness to further develop bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia’s regional influence makes it an important ally.