Antalya: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and European Union Special Representative for the Gulf Region Luigi Di Maio emphasized the importance of expanding areas of joint cooperation during their meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Forum. A presidential statement revealed that their discussions focused on strengthening the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the European Union, highlighting the necessity of broadening cooperation across various vital sectors.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting also covered the latest regional and international developments and their implications for Iraq, Kurdistan, and the Gulf region. Both parties stressed the importance of maintaining security and stability through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding to address crises and prevent the escalation of tensions. They also acknowledged the European Union’s readiness to play a significant role in stabilizing the region.

President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Turkey is part of his participation in the fourth Antalya Diplomatic Forum, where he also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The forum, themed “Upholding Diplomacy in a Divided World,” is organized under the official patronage of President Erdogan and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It spans three days, from April 11 to 13, and hosts approximately 4,000 guests from around the world, including 20 heads of state and government, 50 foreign ministers, 70 other ministers, and 60 high-level representatives from international organizations.