PM Masrour Barzani met with Hakan Fidan on Saturday in Istanbul as part of his official visit to Turkey.
The meeting followed PM Masrour Barzani’s earlier talks the same day with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to official statements from the Kurdistan Regional Government, discussions focused on political and security developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider Middle East.
Both sides reviewed the latest regional tensions and exchanged views on ongoing security challenges. They also emphasized the importance of cooperation and dialogue to preserve stability during a period of growing uncertainty across the region.
In addition, the talks addressed efforts to form Iraq’s next federal government. Political negotiations in Baghdad continue as Iraqi parties attempt to overcome disputes and reach consensus on a new cabinet.
A major part of the meeting focused on the strategic “Development Road” project. The initiative aims to connect Gulf countries, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region with Turkey and Europe through a large transportation and railway corridor.
Prime Minister Barzani and Foreign Minister Fidan stressed the importance of accelerating the project. They highlighted its expected economic and geopolitical impact on the region.
Officials believe the corridor could transform Iraq and the Kurdistan Region into a major trade and transit hub linking Gulf markets with Europe. They also noted that the project may create new opportunities for investment, infrastructure development, and regional economic cooperation.
Furthermore, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey across political, economic, and security sectors.
The meeting reflects ongoing coordination between Erbil and Ankara as regional leaders continue consultations on Iraq’s political process and wider Middle East developments.