President Barzani to visit UAE Friday

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani is set to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday to bolster bilateral relations, the Kurdistan Region Presidency spokesperson announced. 

“The visit will take place at a high level and the Kurdistan Region President will meet with the president of the UAE [Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan],” Dilshad Shahab told reporters in Erbil on Thursday.  

“Kurdistan and the UAE relations are strong,” he added, noting that President Barzani’s visit will seek strengthening these ties. 

President Barzani visited Dubai late last year, attending the UAE National Day.

“Congratulations to the UAE leadership and people on their remarkable achievements and development as a nation,” Barzani said at the time. 

Kurdistan Region and the UAE enjoy strong economic ties, with the Kurdish officials frequently visiting the country, especially during special events. 

The UAE-based Dana Gas company plays a key role in the production of Kurdistan Region’s natural gas - which is mostly used for electricity generation. 

Kurdistan Region Presidency Chief of Staff Fawzi Hariri on Thursday received UAE Consul General to Erbil Ahmed Ibrahim al-Dhaheri. 

"They focused on enhancing UAE-Iraq relations and explored exciting opportunities to boost trade and investment between the Kurdistan Region-UAE," said the Kurdistan Region Presidency.