President Masoud Barzani met Russian Ambassador Elbrus Kutrashev in Pirmam to discuss the recent oil export deal with Baghdad, Iraq’s upcoming elections, and regional stability.
The talks centered on three major topics — the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports, the November elections, and ties between Erbil and Moscow. Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining the new oil agreement, which allows Kurdish crude to reach global markets under Iraq’s state marketer, SOMO.
Barzani reaffirmed his support for holding free and fair elections on November 11, urging that the results should determine the formation of a strong, inclusive federal government. He emphasized that the next administration must uphold Iraq’s constitution and include all political groups.
The meeting also addressed Russia’s long-standing partnership with the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the energy sector. Russian companies like Gazprom and Rosneft have invested heavily in oil production, strengthening economic ties and boosting the region’s role in global markets.
With oil exports resuming after more than two years and Iraq entering a pivotal election season, the discussion underscored shared priorities — ensuring political stability, deepening cooperation, and sustaining economic growth across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.