Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Mr. Prashant Pise, the incoming Ambassador of India to Iraq, in Erbil on Monday.

The President congratulated Ambassador Prashant Pise on assuming the office, wished him success and expressed full support for his mission. The President reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to strengthen bilateral relations in all areas, especially assisting Indian investment projects. The President valued the services that India has so far provided in the Kurdistan Region.

Ambassador Prashant Pise reaffirmed that India attaches great importance to its relations and investment opportunities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The Ambassador referred to a comprehensive plan, together with the Indian Embassy team in Erbil, to further advance bilateral relations and partnership. The Ambassador also discussed the Indian vocational coaching and training courses that are provided in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Discussions also focused on Iraq’s elections and outcomes, and expectations and efforts ahead of the formation of the next federal government. Both sides agreed that establishing an institutional system is essential to safeguard democracy and emphasized on political maturity and voter participation. They reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in Iraq for the entire region.

At the meeting, attended by India’s Consul General in Erbil, discussions also covered the culture of coexistence and tolerance among communities in India and the Kurdistan Region despite religious and ethnic differences, removing travel restrictions to India, COVID-19 pandemic, its implications and the vaccination process, the importance of direct flights between the two countries, the medical trips from the Kurdistan Region to India, the status of the Indian community in the Kurdistan Region and other topics of mutual interest.