President Radev: Bulgaria Values Partnership with Iraqi Kurdistan
In a demonstration of the enduring ties and shared ambitions between Bulgaria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev engaged in fruitful talks with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. This significant meeting took place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye, highlighting the strategic importance both nations place on their relationship.
President Radev emphasized the depth of the relationship between Bulgaria and Iraq, including the autonomous Kurdistan Region. He expressed Bulgaria’s keen interest in broadening the scope of cooperation across multiple sectors such as energy, economy, tourism, and education. Radev’s remarks underscore Bulgaria’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the Kurdistan Region, reflecting a long-standing tradition of bilateral relations that both countries are eager to strengthen further.
For his part, President Barzani articulated the Kurdistan Region’s role as a pillar of stability within the broader Middle Eastern landscape. He underscored the region’s intent to elevate its economic and trade ties with international partners, including Bulgaria, signifying a mutual desire for enhanced cooperation.
The dialogue between the two leaders covered a range of collaborative ventures, noting several promising avenues for bilateral engagement. They discussed the potential for Iraq to supply crude oil to Bulgaria and explored opportunities for Bulgarian tour operators to expand their businesses to the Kurdistan Region, with a particular focus on promoting Erbil as a prime tourist destination. The agricultural sector and food production were also identified as areas ripe for cooperation between the two sides.
A testament to the burgeoning relationship between Bulgaria and the Kurdistan Region was the recollection of positive outcomes from two forums organized by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). These forums, which took place in May and October 2023, connected Bulgarian businesspeople with their counterparts in the cities of Erbil and Mosul. Moreover, the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the BCCI and the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry in May 2023 further solidified the framework for ongoing economic collaboration.
In a gesture of goodwill and continued friendship, President Barzani extended an invitation to President Radev to visit Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region’s capital, Erbil. This visit aims to further the political dialogue between the two nations and discover new dimensions of bilateral cooperation, marking another step forward in their partnership.
The meeting between Presidents Radev and Barzani at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum not only reaffirms the strong bond between Bulgaria and the Kurdistan Region but also opens the door to a future of expanded collaboration across various sectors. With both regions keen on leveraging their partnership for mutual growth and stability, the dialogue in Turkiye sets the stage for a dynamic and prosperous bilateral relationship.
