President of the Kurdistan region receives Chinese Ambassador to Iraq

President Masoud Barzani today welcomed China’s ambassador to Iraq, Ambassador Ni Jian to discuss developing bilateral relations and cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and China. Ambassador Jian stated that the purpose of his visit to Kurdistan is to meet with President Barzani and KRG officials to explore potential opportunities for cooperation and to develop closer economic, political, and cultural ties. He said as part of his country’s ties with Iraq, his government views the Kurdistan Region with great importance and is now considering opening a consulate general in Erbil to facilitate closer cooperation and to encourage more Chinese businesses to work in Kurdistan. He also added that student scholarships from Chinese universities will be offered to students from Kurdistan. President Barzani welcomed China’s intent to open a consulate and said this would pave the way for the strengthening of bilateral ties. He said the KRG is also keen to develop relations with China, adding that there is already substantial business exchange between the private sectors here and in China.