Foreign Relations Office Welcomes Consul General of the Russian Federation in the Kurdistan Region

Head of the Foreign Relations Office welcomed Mr. Maxim Rubin, Consul General of the Russian Federation in the Kurdistan Region.

During the meeting, Mr. Hoshyar Siwaily discussed the latest political and regional developments, and exchanged views with the visiting delegation on issues of mutual interest. The current situation in Western Kurdistan (Rojava) and Syria, as well as the continued efforts of President Masoud Barzani and the Kurdistan Region to provide political, economic, and public support to the Kurdish people in Rojava—and to prevent further complications and deterioration—were an important part of the meeting. The Russian Consul General expressed appreciation for this role and stated that this is the right approach that should be pursued in order to resolve problems and differences.

The talks also covered the ongoing political process in the region and the factors behind the challenges that have become obstacles to progress, as well as the role of the international community in this regard.

Mr. Siwaily also addressed the process and continuing difficulties of forming the new Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet, the election of the President of the Republic of Iraq, and the upcoming federal government cabinet. He welcomed the nomination of Mr. Nouri al-Maliki for the position of Prime Minister, and the hope for resolving the issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government, as well as coordination between both sides to confront the challenges facing the region, were also discussed.

Events that have an impact on the region and on bilateral relations were reviewed, and both sides agreed on the importance of building constructive coordination to reduce harm and prevent further instability. Respect for rights and mutual recognition of one another as nations, governments, and states was emphasized as a key factor in achieving stability, understanding, peaceful solutions, development, and prosperity.