PM Barzani Received by Erdogan in Ankara

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani was received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed the regional security and stability and ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties between Erbil and Ankara, Barzani's office said in a statement.

The Kurdish premier wrote on Twitter that he had "very" productive discussions with the Turkish president.

"Very productive talks today with President @RTErdogan. We made encouraging progress on a range of matters of mutual interest, including bilateral trade and regional stability," Barzani said.

The Prime Minister earlier the day met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu for talks on a range of issues, including mutual security concerns.

"Security and bilateral trade were the focus of my meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu today. We discussed our mutual interests and challenges, and ways we can work together to stabilise the region as a whole," Barzani said after his meeting with the Turkish top diplomat.

PM Barzani was officially invited by Turkey to visit the country after he took office earlier in July.