Erbil: The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, engaged in discussions with the Prime Minister of Armenia regarding the potential establishment of direct flights between Erbil and Yerevan.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the talks took place within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, where Barzani also met with the Bulgarian President, Rumen Radev. During this meeting, they addressed the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Bulgaria, exploring avenues to enhance joint cooperation in the economic sector. They also discussed the political and security situations in Iraq and the broader region.

Barzani emphasized the importance of broadening the Kurdistan Region’s relations with Bulgaria, acknowledging Bulgaria’s active role in the international coalition against terrorism. He highlighted the necessity of opening new avenues for cooperation in various sectors between the two parties.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev expressed his country’s willingness to strengthen ties with the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the significance of cooperation in security and economic fields. He also recognized the crucial role played by the Kurdistan Region in maintaining stability in Iraq and the region.

In another significant meeting at the Munich Security Conference, Barzani met with the Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan. They discussed the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Armenia, and explored ways to enhance cooperation in economic, cultural, labor, and trade sectors.

Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s interest in expanding relations with Armenia, noting numerous areas for potential cooperation that would benefit both parties. The possibility of launching direct flights between Erbil and Yerevan was a key topic of discussion.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed Armenia’s interest in strengthening its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, praising the region’s role as a model of coexistence and stability. The meeting also covered the political and security situations in the Middle East and other mutual interests.