Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

President Putin valued the development of ties between the two sides, particularly in the economic field.

Noting that terrorism has become a global issue, President Putin praised the Kurdistan Region for the way it has been conducting the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS.

Regarding cooperation in the field of energy, President Putin said that he supports the agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Russian oil companies. He expressed his support for further strengthening these relations.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his appreciation for the warm reception and his pleasure to further developing the relations between Russia and the Kurdistan Region.

He reiterated his government’s support for Russian companies wishing to invest in various fields in the Kurdistan Region.

He also thanked Russian President for his country’s support in the war against ISIS terrorists.