Kurdistan PM, Russian FM Discuss Situation in Syria

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received on Monday Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Erbil for talks on the "urgency of developments in Syria."

Barzani, during the meeting, urged Russia to promote a long-lasting political resolution which would preserve the rights and dignity of all components in the country.

"In-depth talks today w/ Russia FM Sergey Lavrov — I underscored the urgency of developments in Syria, and called on Russia to help promote a long-lasting political solution that protects the rights and dignity of all the Syrian peoples, including the Kurdish people," Barzani wrote on Twitter.

The two officials, according to the premier's statement, further exchanged views on the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, with Barzani outlining "the significant progress in ongoing negotiations."

The Kurdish prime minister said that he with the Russian top diplomat discussed the bilateral ties between Erbil and Moscow, both agreed to prolong the"oil and gas investments and explore opportunities in minerals, agriculture and industry."

Lavrov arrived in capital Erbil on Monday evening. He has held separate meetings with the senior Kurdish officials.