Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, announced on Wednesday that Türkiye is ready to collaborate on oil exports. This move signals potential new opportunities for cooperation, especially with the federal government in Baghdad. Barzani emphasized that both sides have fresh prospects for joint work.
In a panel discussion at the third Erbil Forum, Barzani shed light on ongoing negotiations in Erbil. These talks aim to address the formation of the next government and establish a foundation for future cooperation. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is working hard with Baghdad to navigate these challenges. Barzani noted that both parties must take responsibility, given their role in the recent election results.
Moreover, Barzani expressed gratitude towards several Iraqi officials for their support during the recent elections. He thanked Prime Minister Mohammed Shi’a al-Sudani, Speaker of Parliament, the President of the Federal Court, the Supreme Judicial Council, and the President of Iraq. Their collective efforts played a key role in ensuring the elections’ success in the region.
Barzani also touched upon the Kurdistan Region’s development, citing that significant progress occurred during the strategic agreement between Erbil and Baghdad. However, he criticized Baghdad for its centralist approach to the region. He argued that this approach contradicts federal principles, which ideally promote local autonomy.
Addressing the issue of oil exports, Barzani reiterated Türkiye’s consistent willingness to assist in the export of oil. He emphasized that, from the Kurdistan Region’s perspective, oil is viewed primarily as an economic resource rather than a political one. This distinction underscores the region’s desire to separate economic interests from political disputes.
The potential for cooperation between Türkiye, the Kurdistan Region, and Baghdad in oil exports could pave the way for further economic and political stability in the Middle East. With this in mind, Barzani called for continued collaboration and mutual respect among all parties involved.
