Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Turkish Ambassador Anil Bora Inan on Thursday in Erbil. Their talks focused on boosting bilateral cooperation, resuming oil exports, and tackling recent attacks on vital infrastructure. A key message echoed throughout the meeting: stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
The Turkish Consul General in Erbil, Erman Topçu, also attended the meeting. The two sides reviewed the state of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and broader regional dynamics. One major topic was the urgent need to restart oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to Turkey. Barzani and Inan agreed that delays hurt both economies and strain energy stability.
They also discussed the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad. Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region must receive its fair constitutional rights. He pointed to the need for just financial entitlements for the people of Kurdistan, stressing that cooperation with Baghdad must be based on legal guarantees.
A major concern raised by both sides was the increase in attacks on energy sites. Barzani and Inan strongly condemned recent terrorist strikes on Kurdistan’s economic and energy infrastructure. They called on all relevant parties to stop attacks on energy infrastructure, which they said threaten both regional security and economic growth.
Inan acknowledged Turkey’s appreciation for the Kurdistan Region’s resilience. He thanked Barzani for maintaining stability during recent turbulent times. Barzani, in turn, expressed gratitude for Turkey’s consistent support throughout past conflicts and crises.
The Turkish ambassador praised the Kurdistan Regional Government’s progress in the energy sector. He highlighted the “Runaki Project,” which has successfully delivered 24-hour electricity in several areas. Inan said this effort showed the KRG’s commitment to improving public services.
The meeting also touched on a broader topic: restarting peace efforts within Turkey. Both parties agreed that a peaceful environment in the region would benefit all sides and strengthen cooperation. While no specific peace framework was discussed, the commitment to dialogue remained clear.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that diplomacy, stability, and energy security are deeply connected. As regional threats rise, leaders from both sides stressed the message again: stop attacks on energy infrastructure.
This latest dialogue marks another chapter in the close relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey. Both parties aim to preserve peace, improve cooperation, and protect vital resources from harm.