Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and  Russian Minister of Energy Alexander Novakand agreed to expand relations during a meeting  on the sidelines of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

In the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani called for further strengthening the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russian Federation, especially economic ties.  Mr. Barzani said that his government is ready to provide assistance to Russian businesses interested in investing in the Kurdistan Region.

While highlighting  the expansion of relations between Russia and the Kurdistan Region, Minister Novak said that his government encourages Russian compaines to do business in Kurdistan, especially in the oil and gas sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Minister of Natural Resources Ashti Hawrami and Government Spokesperson Safeen Dizayee are accompanying Prime Minister Barzani in his visit to Russia.

Russian oil companies Gazprom and Rosneft have invested in the Kurdistan Region's oil and gas sector.