Barzani: Erbil never supported any side against Tehran
Kurdistan-Iran annual trade hits $12b
President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani underlined that the semi-autonomous region had never supported any side against Iran, saying that it seeks to be a source of security and stability across West Asia.
“The Islamic Republic (of Iran) has helped us in the past, and we are grateful for all of its support. We follow fundamental principles in our politics and seek to be a source of security and stability in the region,” Barzani told the Sixth Middle East Peace and Security 2025 (MEPS) Forum in the region’s city of Duhok.
“I believe that there were some misunderstandings between us and Iran. However, we have never assisted any side against them; we have never done such a thing in the past, and we will not do so in the future.”
He said that it is not in the interest of the Kurdistan Region to become involved in any issue against Iran. “We have always said — and will continue to say — that we are grateful and appreciative of all the help Iran has given to us.”
Referring to different aspects of relations between Tehran and Erbil, Barzani said that Iran is an important neighbor for the Kurdistan Region and based on a fundamental principle, the region always seeks to maintain positive relations with Iran.
“If we consider only the economic aspect, the annual trade exchanges between Iran and the Kurdistan Region amount to about 11 to 12 billion dollars,” he said.