KRG Foreign Relations Office's Conference Kicks Off in Erbil

Kurdistan 11:35 AM - 2024-01-28

Deputy PM Qubad Talabani among Kurdish officials.

The four-day conference of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Foreign Relations Office kicked off in the Kurdish capital Erbil on Sunday, January 28, 2024, with the participation of a significant number of consuls, diplomats, and overseas government officials.

According to Daban Shadala, Deputy Head of the KRG's Foreign Relations Office, the conference's goal is to restructure the KRG's diplomatic efforts in accordance with the current stage and establish a strategic plan for representations, as well as to focus on and strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries.

He also stated that the conference will address security concerns, drone threats and difficulties, diplomatic resolutions, and the art of effective communication.

Masrour Barzani: KRG has made significant progress in its international relations

At the beginning of the conference, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, delivered a speech and said: "While the annual growth of foreign consulates in the Kurdistan Region is evident, our efforts are focused on expanding our diplomatic presence in foreign nations. The objective is to enhance diplomatic ties between the Kurdistan Region and other nations."

"The KRG has made significant progress in its international relations and will continue to exert more efforts because, as a recognised constitutional entity, the Kurdistan Region wishes to promote peace, stability, and strengthen its relations with neighbouring countries and the global community," he stated.

Qubad Talabani: Our representatives should effectively convey the threats 

"We are continuing our efforts to strengthen the KRG, and our diplomats can improve our economic, political, and trade relations with other countries. "It is critical that our diplomatic representatives effectively communicate the threats to the status of the Kurdistan Region," he stated.

Furthermore, he stated: "Our representations should establish a strong connection with our official institutions in the Kurdistan Region and effectively communicate information to KRG authorities regarding other countries' policies."  

Qubad Talabani: There is no friend in diplomacy

Furthermore, DPM Talabani emphasised the importance of seeking shared interests with other countries, as diplomacy is motivated by mutual interests. 

He stated, "Our representations can significantly contribute to fostering shared interests with other countries and deterring potential threats to our region. Furthermore, they have the ability to influence global public opinion on critical issues in the Kurdistan Region and deter potential threats to our region.

Additionally, he stated that "the Kurdistan Region's participation in the war against ISIS has elevated its status in the international arena, resulting in increased prioritisation of the Region." As a result, I emphasise that friendships do not exist in diplomacy, but rather common interests. From this standpoint, the coalition and the US have been staunch supporters of the Kurdistan Region in the fight against terrorism."

Foreign and local Diplomats are attending

The Kurdistan Region hosts 41 consulates and diplomatic officials from various countries. This list contains two consulates from Africa, two from the United States, ten from Asia and the Pacific, twenty from Europe, and seven from the Middle East. All of these consulates are at the Foreign Relations Conference.

The conference will also be attended by the KRG's 14 diplomatic representatives with offices in Asia, Europe, and the Arab world.

PUKMEDIA