PM Barzani discusses oil exports with Turkey’s Fidan

ERBIL, August 24 — The Kurdistan region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated on Thursday that oil exports to Turkey will resume following discussions with Ankara’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Barzani spoke during a press conference and said: “We discussed with the Turkish Foreign Minister and the accompanying delegation the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.”

“The visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the delegation to Iraq and the Kurdistan region indicates the importance of relations between the two countries,” Barzani added. “The Kurdistan Region will exercise its rights according to the Constitution and will not become a place of instability for neighboring countries.”

Fidan highlighted the importance of relations with both Baghdad and Erbil, and said: “During my visit to Baghdad, we discussed Turkish-Iraqi relations, counterterrorism, water issues, reconstruction of the devastated areas in Iraq, and other matters with Iraqi officials.”

“The stability of Erbil greatly contributes to economic development, so we support the security of the region, particularly in counterterrorism efforts,” Fidan added.

Fidan arrived in Erbil early on Thursday coming from the capital Baghdad, in an official visit during which he met with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein and other officials.