President Barzani paid an official visit to the UAE this week to seek stronger economic and commercial ties between the UAE and the Kurdistan Region. President held meetings with UAE Prime Minister and the constitutional monarch of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed.

President Barzani’s meetings with UAE leaders focused on further developing ties with the UAE in a number of economic areas including agriculture and tourism. President Barzani expressed his admiration for the rapid economic development and progress that the UAE has witnessed and said the Kurdistan Region can learn much from the experience of the UAE. He described this visit as the start of a turning point in relations between Kurdistan and the UAE, and said that Kurdistan Region is keen to expand economic cooperation with the UAE.

Both Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed paid tribute to the KRG and its leadership for their achievements and the positive role they play in Iraq. They said the UAE is equally interested in deepening ties with the Kurdistan Region and commended President Barzani’s efforts.

President Barzani also met with the President and members of the UAE’s chamber of commerce and discussed business and investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region.

In this 3-day visit, the President was accompanied by KRG Deputy Prime Minister Imad Ahmad and several KRG ministers and advisors.