Baku, Azerbaijan - President Nechirvan Barzani, the esteemed leader of the Kurdistan Region, embarked on an official visit to the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. Upon his arrival, President Barzani was warmly received by President Ilham Aliyev at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

During their cordial and constructive meeting, the two leaders held discussions aimed at strengthening the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the Kurdistan Region, focusing on diverse fields including economics, trade, tourism, and energy. Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in these areas and explored various avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships.

President Barzani and President Aliyev emphasized the importance of bolstering ties between Azerbaijan and Iraq, specifically with the Kurdistan Region, and reaffirmed their dedication to fostering closer collaboration. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss investment prospects and the utilization of Azerbaijani companies' capital in the Kurdistan Region and other parts of Iraq.

A key highlight of the discussions was the significance of establishing an Azerbaijani consulate general in the Kurdistan Region, a decision that had been previously agreed upon. The two leaders underscored the importance of expediting the necessary procedures to inaugurate the consulate general in the near future, as it will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening relations and promoting cooperation between the two sides.

Another crucial topic on the agenda was the initiation of direct flights between Erbil and Baku, as well as between Baku and other regions in Iraq. The leaders deliberated on the necessary measures to facilitate seamless travel, including simplifying visa issuance processes and encouraging reciprocal visits and delegation exchanges between the two nations.

Following the fruitful bilateral meeting, delegations from both sides convened to discuss the communication channels and follow-up procedures concerning the discussed agenda. The participation of the Chargé d'Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy in Baku further enhanced the dialogue, enabling the parties to solidify their commitment to enhancing relations and taking necessary actions to achieve their shared goals.

President Barzani's visit to Azerbaijan and the substantive discussions with President Aliyev signify the determination of both leaders to strengthen ties and foster cooperation in various domains. The meetings served as significant milestones in the ongoing efforts to promote mutual prosperity, expand economic opportunities, and deepen the diplomatic relations between the Kurdistan Region and Azerbaijan.

The positive outcomes of the visit and the shared optimism expressed by President Barzani and President Aliyev underscore the potential for future collaboration and exchanges between the two nations. As both sides continue to engage in constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, the visit lays a solid foundation for a flourishing partnership between the Kurdistan Region and Azerbaijan.