Foreign relations of Iraqi Kurdistan

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Relations of Kurdistan Region of Iraq with foreign states and organizations are conducted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Political stability and a rapidly developing economy have given the KRG the opportunity to pursue a foreign policy independent from the central government's. The KRG's primary body for directing its foreign affairs is the Department of Foreign Relations (DFR). The DFR's foremost objectives are to raise the global profile of the Kurdistan Region, improve the Region's international ties with various governments and international organizations, and present emerging business opportunities in the Kurdistan Region to regional and international actors. [1]

Iraqi Kurdistan Iraqi part of Kurdistan

Iraqi Kurdistan, officially called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq by the Iraqi constitution, is an autonomous region located in northern Iraq. It is also referred to as Southern Kurdistan, as Kurds generally consider it to be one of the four parts of Greater Kurdistan, which also includes parts of southeastern Turkey, northern Syria, and northwestern Iran.

State (polity) organised community living under a system of government; either a sovereign state, constituent state, or federated state

A state is a political organization with a centralized government that maintains a monopoly by use of force within a certain geographical territory.

Kurdistan Regional Government Ruling body of the Iraqi Kurdistan region

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is the official ruling body of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region.

Contents

The KRG's foreign policy vision has paved the way for the establishment of various diplomatic representations in Kurdistan. A total of 32 countries have a diplomatic presence in Erbil, with Canada, India and Pakistan recently announcing plans to establish diplomatic missions. Multinational bodies, including the EU, UN, ICRC, JICA, and the KOICA also have offices in Southern Kurdistan. The KRG's presence abroad has grown significantly since 2007. Currently the KRG has representative offices in 14 countries. [1]

Erbil Capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan

Erbil, also spelled Arbil, locally called Hewlêr by the Kurds, is the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan and the most populated city in the Kurdish inhabited areas. It is located approximately in the center of Iraqi Kurdistan region and north of Iraq. It has about 850,000 inhabitants, and Erbil governorate has a permanent population of 2,009,367 as of 2015.

Canada Country in North America

Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering 9.98 million square kilometres, making it the world's second-largest country by total area. Canada's southern border with the United States is the world's longest bi-national land border. Its capital is Ottawa, and its three largest metropolitan areas are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated, the majority of its land area being dominated by forest and tundra. Consequently, its population is highly urbanized, with over 80 percent of its inhabitants concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, many near the southern border. Canada's climate varies widely across its vast area, ranging from arctic weather in the north, to hot summers in the southern regions, with four distinct seasons.

India Country in South Asia

India, also known as the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh largest country by area and with more than 1.3 billion people, it is the second most populous country as well as the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast, it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while its Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand and Indonesia.

Department of Foreign Relations

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) established the Department of Foreign Relations (DFR) in September 2006 to conduct relations with the international community. Today, the DFR is an integral part of the government, with a wide ranging portfolio of responsibilities. DFR is headed by Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir from 2006. The KRG Department of Foreign Relations is mandated to promote the interests of the Kurdistan Region and its people in regard to relations with the international community and in accordance with the Region's legislation and the Constitution of Iraq.

Falah Mustafa Bakir Kurdistan politician

Falah Mustafa Bakir is a politician from Iraqi Kurdistan and has served as Head of Department of Foreign Relations for Kurdistan Regional Government since 2006.

The Constitution of Iraq is the fundamental law of Iraq. The first constitution came into force in 1925. The current constitution was drafted and approved in 2005.

The key responsibilities of the department include:

Since 1980, the foreign relations of Iraq were influenced by a number of controversial decisions by the Saddam Hussein administration. Hussein had good relations with the Soviet Union and a number of western countries such as France and Germany, who provided him with advanced weapons systems. He also developed a tenuous relation with the United States, who supported him during the Iran–Iraq War. However, the Invasion of Kuwait that triggered the Gulf War brutally changed Iraq's relations with the Arab World and the West. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria and others were among the countries that supported Kuwait in the UN coalition. After the Hussein administration was toppled by the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the governments that succeeded it have now tried to establish relations with various nations.

Bilateral relations

World map highlighting countries visited by Masoud Barzani while president (2005-2017) Kurdish President Barzani international visits (2005-2017).svg
World map highlighting countries visited by Masoud Barzani while president (2005-2017)

Europe

CountryNotes
Flag of Armenia.svg  Armenia
  • Relations are described as 'cordial' and an Armenian consulate in Erbil is to be opened soon. [2]
Flag of Austria.svg  Austria See Austria–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Austria has a commercial office in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Vienna. [4]
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium See Belgium–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Belgium has no representation in Kurdistan Region. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has no representation in Belgium. [4]
Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria See Bulgaria–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Bulgaria has a commercial office in Erbil, [3] and has plans to open a consulate in Erbil. [5]
  • Kurdistan has no representation in Bulgaria. [4]
Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia See Croatia–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Croatia plans on opening a consulate in Erbil. [6]
  • Kurdistan has no representation in Croatia. [4]
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic See Czech Republic–Kurdistan Region relations
Flag of Finland.svg  Finland
  • Finland has a military presence in Kurdistan Region, having 50 soldiers training Kurdish soldiers. As of April 2017, about 1,700 Kurdish soldiers have finished training. [7]
Flag of France.svg  France See France–Kurdistan Region relations
  • France has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Paris. [4]
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany See Germany–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Germany has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Berlin. [4]
Flag of Greece.svg  Greece See Greece–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Greece has both a economic & commercial office, [3] and a consulate general in Erbil. [8]
  • Kurdistan Region has no representation in Greece. [4]
Flag of the Vatican City.svg  Holy See See Holy See–Kurdistan Region relations
Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary See Hungary–Kurdistan Region relations
  • Hungary has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan has no representation in Hungary. [4]
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy See Italy–Kurdistan Region relations
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands See Kurdistan Region–Netherlands relations
  • Netherlands has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has no representation in the Netherlands. [4]
Flag of Poland.svg  Poland See Kurdistan Region–Poland relations
  • Poland has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Warsaw. [4]
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania See Kurdistan Region–Romania relations
  • Romania has a consular office in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has no representation in Romania. [4]
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia
  • Russia has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Moscow. [4]
Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia See Kurdistan Region–Slovakia relations
Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia
  • Slovenia has a military presence in Kurdistan Region, training Kurdish soldiers. [12]
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain See Kurdistan Region–Spain relations
  • Spain has no representation in Kurdistan Region. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Madrid. [4]
Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden See Kurdistan Region–Sweden relations
  • Sweden has an embassy office in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Stockholm. [4]
Flag of Switzerland.svg   Switzerland
  • Switzerland has no representation in Kurdistan Region. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in Bern. [4]
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
  • United Kingdom has a consulate general in Erbil. [3]
  • Kurdistan Region has a representation in London. [4]
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates talks with KRG President Massoud Barzani in Erbil, on 8 April 2011. Defense.gov News Photo 110408-F-DQ383-019 - Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates talks with Kurdistan Regional Government President Barzani after arriving in Irbil Iraq during a trip on.jpg
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates talks with KRG President Massoud Barzani in Erbil, on 8 April 2011.
UK Minister for Trade and Investment Ian Livingston talks with Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechervan Barzani in London, on 19 May 2014. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq (14222225105).jpg
UK Minister for Trade and Investment Ian Livingston talks with Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechervan Barzani in London, on 19 May 2014.

India

There has been limited diplomatic relations between India and Iraqi Kurdistan. India purchases Kurdish crude oil sold through Turkish companies. Several Indian citizens work in Iraqi Kurdistan. Many Kurds travel to India for educational or medical purposes. In July 2014, Hemin Hawrani, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party's international relations wing, told The Hindu that he hoped for deeper political and economic ties with India, describing the country as "an important partner". Hawrani also expressed his desire to see the Indian government open a consulate in Erbil, and invited Indian companies to invest in Kurdistan. [13] In November 2014, the Indian government sent special envoy Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy to visit Kurdistan and meet Kurdish government officials. Reddy stated that India "fully supports the Kurdistan Region during this difficult time", and expressed confidence in the Kurdish government and the Peshmerga forces to preserve the stability and security of the region. The Ambassador also praised the role of Peshmerga forces in fighting ISIL, and announced that the Indian government would open a consulate in Kurdistan. [14]

The Hindu is an Indian daily newspaper, headquartered in Chennai. It was started as a weekly in 1878 and became a daily in 1889. It is one of the Indian newspapers of record and the second most circulated English-language newspaper in India, after The Times of India with average qualifying sales of 1.21 million copies as of Jan–Jun 2017.

Israel

In 2004 was reported about the meetings of Israeli officials with Kurdish political leaders when Massoud Barzani, Jalal Talabani and the former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon publicly confirmed the good relations of Israel and Iraqi Kurdistan. [15] The President of the Iraqi Kurdistan, Massoud Barzani answered a question while visiting Kuwait in May 2006 about the Kurdish–Israeli relationship: "It is not a crime to have relations with Israel. If Baghdad established diplomatic relations with Israel, we could open a consulate in Erbil." In a policy address in 2014, Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the establishment of an independent Kurdish state. He said: "The Kurds are a fighting people that have proven political commitment and political moderation, and they're also worthy of their own political independence." [16]

Jalal Talabani Iraqi politician

Jalal Talabani was an Iraqi Kurdish politician who served as President of Iraq from 2006 to 2014, as well as the President of the Governing Council of Iraq. He was the first non-Arab president of Iraq. He is known as Mam Jalal in the Middle East. The surname Talabani means 'scholar' in native Kurdish.

Ariel Sharon prime minister of Israel and Israeli general

Ariel Sharon was an Israeli general and politician who served as the 11th Prime Minister of Israel from March 2001 until April 2006.

Israel country in the Middle East

Israel, officially the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea. It has land borders with Lebanon to the north, Syria to the northeast, Jordan on the east, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to the east and west, respectively, and Egypt to the southwest. The country contains geographically diverse features within its relatively small area. Israel's economic and technological center is Tel Aviv, while its seat of government and proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, although the state's sovereignty over Jerusalem has only partial recognition.

Korea

Kurdistan and South Korea share strong diplomatic and economic relations as well as military support from the Korean Armed Forces. The Zaytun Division (Korean: 자이툰 부대; Kurdish: Tîpa Zeytûnê) was a Republic of Korea Army contingent operating in Kurdistan from September 2004 to December 2008. An additional 2,200 troops (mostly engineers) were deployed to Erbil in the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Northern Iraq by early September 2004 and were grouped with the humanitarian troops who were relocated from Southern Iraq. The combined unit consisted of 2,800 soldiers. Another 800 soldiers were dispatched to reinforce the existing troops in Erbil in November 2004, thus increasing the size of South Korea's contingent to 3,600. [17] [18] [19]

The Republic of Korea has a Consulate in Erbil that opened in 2004, the current Head General is Mr. Park Young-Kyu. [20]

Syria

Turkey

The best example of the Kurdistan Region's evolving relations with its neighbors is its relationship with Turkey. Flourishing trade between the two, an influx of Turkish investment, and energy agreements have paved the way for increasing geopolitical cooperation, and helped overcome decades of tension. This expanding partnership, built upon mutual economic interests, was symbolized by the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to the Kurdistan Region in March 2011, the first such visit by a Turkish leader. Increasing trade volumes between Turkey and Kurdistan ($8.4 billion in 2012) empirically demonstrate the importance of this developing relationship. [1] Past tensions have been supplanted by a new energy partnership and Turkey seems far less worried about the prospect of an independent Iraqi Kurdistan. In May 2012, Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government cut a deal to build one gas and two oil pipelines directly from Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq to Turkey without the approval of Baghdad, taking the rapprochement started between the two in 2009 one step further. [21]

Consulate General of Turkey in Erbil was established in March 2010. [22] Iraqi Kurdistan does not yet have a representative office in Turkey.

United States

Currently the United States has official policy towards the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq. US Kurdish policy starting initially with "contacts" to a covert "relationship" and finally to an overt "institutionalized relationship" embodied in an official US Kurdish policy. The change of US interaction with the Kurds from humanitarian assistance to strategic partnership as a non-state ally and an asset is testimony to the enhanced role of the Kurdistan Region in the international relations of the Middle East. [23] Deepening KRG–US economic relations was supported by establishment of the United States Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) in April 2012. In the same month President of Kurdistan Region, President Masud Barzani, visited Washington, D.C. and met with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. [24]

The Consulate General of the United States in Erbil was established in July 2011. [24] Iraqi Kurdistan have a representative office in the United States from February 2007. [25]

Relations with international organisations

Iraqi Kurdistan holds 'member' or 'observer' status in only one international organisation.

International organisationStatusRepresentationApplication dateAdmission dateNotes
UNPO.png Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)member Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan 11 February 1991Iraqi Kurdistan is founding member of the UNPO.

Participation in international sports federations

Iraqi Kurdistan holds 'member' status in two international sports federations.

International organisationStatusRepresentationApplication dateAdmission dateNotes
N.F.-Board member Iraqi Kurdistan Football Association December 2008In 2008, an Iraqi Kurdistani team participated for the first time in the Viva World Cup. Iraqi Kurdistan hosted Viva World Cup in 2012 and won it.
CONIFA memberIraqi Kurdistan Football AssociationJune 2013In May 2016, an Iraqi Kurdistan team will participate in the ConIFA World Football Cup hosted by Abkhazia.

See also

Related Research Articles

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Economy of Iraqi Kurdistan

Economy in Iraqi Kurdistan consists of the autonomous economy in Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. The Kurdistan region's economy is dominated by the oil industry, agriculture and tourism. Due to relative security and peace in the region and more economically liberal and market-oriented policies, it has a far more developed economy in comparison to other parts of Kurdistan.

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2017 Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum Overwhelmingly passing referendum for Kurdish independence

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Hungary–Kurdistan Region relations

Hungary–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Hungary and the Kurdistan Region. Hungary has been represented in Kurdistan Region through a consulate general since November 2014, while Kurdistan Region has no representation in Hungary. Nevertheless, the relations are characterized by several high-level talks and close ties. The Kurdish President Massoud Barzani has visited Hungary in 2012 and in 2015 on official visits.

Czech Republic–Kurdistan Region relations

Czech Republic–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and the Kurdistan Region. The Czech Republic is represented in the Kurdistan Region through a consulate general in Erbil since 2006, while the Kurdistan region has no representation in the Czech Republic. Relations between the two are characterized by high level talks and cooperation against ISIS. Kurdish President Massoud Barzani visited the Czech Republic in 2015, meeting President Miloš Zeman and other senior government officials. In November 2015, Czech President Miloš Zeman said that he believes the Kurdistan Region will soon become independent.

Bulgaria–Kurdistan Region relations

Bulgaria–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the Kurdistan Region. Bulgaria is represented in Kurdistan Region through a commercial office in Erbil since 2014, while Kurdistan Region has no representation in Bulgaria. In 2012, Kurdish President Massoud Barzani travelled to Bulgaria on an official visit and met with Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. In May 2017, President Barzani met with President Boyko Borislov on an official visit to Bulgaria.

Kurdistan Region–Poland relations

Kurdistan Region–Poland relations are bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and Poland. Kurdistan Region is represented in Kurdistan Region through a representation in Warsaw since 2004, while Poland has a consulate general in Erbil since 2012. In 2005, Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka, Foreign Minister Adam Rotfeld, Minister of National Defense Jerzy Szmajdziński and Minister of Culture Waldemar Dąbrowski met Kurdish President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil and stated their support for the reconstruction of Iraq, including Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan Region–Sweden relations Diplomatic relations between Kurdistan Region and the Kingdom of Sweden

Kurdistan Region–Sweden relations are bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and Sweden. Kurdistan Region is represented in Sweden through a representation in Stockholm since 2011, while Sweden has an embassy in Erbil since 2012.

Kurdistan Region–Netherlands relations

Kurdistan Region–Netherlands relations are bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and the Netherlands. While Kurdistan Region has no representation in the Netherlands, the Netherlands has a consulate general in Erbil since 2012. The Netherlands has a military presence in Kurdistan Region and have aided the region with humanitarian aid. The Netherlands also contributed to reforms of the Kurdish economy with 250,000 euros in 2017. In August 2016, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Kurdistan Region and met with high-ranking Kurdish officials and deployed Dutch soldiers. Concerning Kurdish independence, Dutch MP Harry Van Bommel stated that: "I will ask my party to support independent Kurdistan because I think independence is the best way to secure the future of the people in this Region".

Belgium–Kurdistan Region relations Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Belgium and Kurdistan Region

Belgium–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Belgium and Kurdistan Region. Belgium has no representation in Kurdistan Region and the latter has no representation in Belgium. Kurdistan Region's representation to the European Union is located in the Belgian capital of Brussels. Belgium has a military presence in Kurdistan Region with circa 30 soldiers training Kurdish soldiers (Peshmerga). In 2017, Kurdish President Massoud Barzani visited Belgium and met with Minister-President Geert Bourgeois of the federal region of Flandern, where the latter stated that the upcoming Kurdish referendum in September 2017 should be respected and Deputy Prime Minister of the federal government in Belgium Jan Jambon has stated that all nations have the right to self-determination.

Greece–Kurdistan Region relations Diplomatic relations between the Hellenic Republic and Kurdistan Region

Greece–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Greece and Kurdistan Region. Greece has an economic and commercial office in Erbil, while Kurdistan Region has no representation in Greece. In February 2017, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias described Kurdistan as having a geostrategic role in the region and constitutes an important element in Greek geostrategic policy, and these were the reasons Greece opened a consulate general in Erbil in May 2016. In an interview with Alpha Radio, Kotzias stated that the Kurdish independence referendum in September 2017 was guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution and that Kurdistan Region has a right to hold it. Vice-President of the Greek party New Democracy Adonis Georgiadis has stated that his party supports the referendum and the Kurdish right to self-determination.

Kurdistan Region–United Arab Emirates relations are bilateral relations between Kurdistan Region and United Arab Emirates. While Kurdistan Region has no representation the United Arab Emirates, the latter has a consulate general in Erbil since 2012. The opening of an Emirati consulate general was discussed during a visit in Erbil by Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in February 2011. Kurdish specialist Marianna Charountaki believes that the United Arab Emirates "interacts with the KRG as a de facto state entity". Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani has described the ties with the United Arab Emirates as being: "very important to the Kurds. They have offered their services to help us in the region. We have very good relations with all [the GCC members] but ties with the UAE are closer. The UAE are interested in investments and energy". Emirati Minister of Cabinet Affairs & the Future Mohammed Al Gergawi described the ties between the United Arab Emirates and Kurdistan Region as "good". He stated that: "We will need the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdistan Region will need us because we have the same principles and concerns".

Germany–Kurdistan Region relations Diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Kurdistan Region

Germany–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Germany and Kurdistan Region. Germany has a consulate general in Erbil since 2012, and Kurdistan Region has a representation in Berlin since 1992. Many high-level meetings have been held between the two parties, including a visit to Berlin by Kurdish President Masoud Barzani in 2009, where he met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. In 2014, President Barzani described Germany as "one of Kurdistan Region’s staunch allies in the war against the Islamic State." German Consul General Marc Eichhorn described the relations as "excellent".

Holy See–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Holy See and Kurdistan Region. The Holy See has no representation in Kurdistan Region and the latter has no representation in the Holy See. Kurdish President Masoud Barzani has met with Pope John Paul II and his two successors Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis on official visits to the Vatican City in November 2005, February 2011 and May 2014. Kurdish Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani also met with Pope Francis in March 2015, discussing the humanitarian crisis in the Kurdish region and Barzani stressed his hope for an papal encouragement for the international society to support Kurdistan Region humanitarianly. At the meeting, Pope Francis praised the atmosphere in Kurdistan. Shortly after, Pope made an unspecified donation for Kurdistan Region to cope with the displaced Christian population. In the same month, the Pope's personal envoy including Cardinal Fernando Filoni and a delegation from the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. It was the envoy's second visit to Erbil after a similar visit took place in August 2014. In 2016, the Pope donated 110,000 dollars to the St. Joseph's Clinic in Erbil, which is home to thousands of internally displaced persons, and sent a financial donation to displaced Iraqi Christians in Erbil through the Aid to the Church in Need.

France–Kurdistan Region relations Diplomatic relations between the French Republic and Kurdistan Region

France–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between France and Kurdistan Region. France has a consulate general in Erbil and Kurdistan Region has a representation in Paris. The ties between France and Kurdistan Region have been very close since the presidency of François Mitterrand (1981–1995), when his wife Danielle Mitterrand played an instrumental role in the campaign for the no fly zone over Kurdistan Region in 1991. France has a military presence in Kurdistan Region, and Consul General Dominique Mas described their relations as being "historic" and "long-term".

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Overview: Kurdistan Region of Iraq". Invest in Group. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  2. ↑ "Armenian, Iraqi Kurdish PMs Discuss Closer Business Ties" . Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Current Foreign Representations in the Kurdistan Region". Department of Foreign Relations - Kurdistan Regional Government. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 "KRG offices abroad". Department of Foreign Relations - Kurdistan Regional Government. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  5. ↑ "Bulgaria to Open Consulate in Erbil". iraq-businessnews.com. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  6. ↑ "The Croatia Ambassador to Iraq visited Erbil Chamber". Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
  7. ↑ "Finland's training contributes to troops' capabilities in Iraq". 25 April 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  8. ↑ "Iraq". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  9. ↑ "President". Kurdistan Region Presidency. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  10. ↑ "Pope Benedict commends President Barzani for promoting religious tolerance". Kurdistan Regional Government. 24 February 2011. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  11. ↑ "President Barzani Meets Pope Francis at the Vatican". Kurdistan Region Presidency. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
  12. ↑ "Slovenia sending up to 15 inspectors to Iraq". The Slovenia Times. 3 February 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  13. ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/kurdish-leadership-calls-for-better-india-ties/article6170941.ece
  14. ↑ http://dfr.gov.krd/a/d.aspx?l=12&a=44267
  15. ↑ "Israelis 'using Kurds to build power base'". The Guardian . 2004-06-21. Retrieved 2013-01-12.
  16. ↑ "Netanyahu expresses support for Kurdish independence". Los Angeles Times . 2014-06-29. Retrieved 2014-06-30.
  17. ↑ http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200602/200602240023.html
  18. ↑ "위문편지". 2006-07-21. Archived from the original on 23 October 2005. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
  19. ↑ http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200411/200411070003.html
  20. ↑ "Loading site please wait..." www.dfr.gov.krd. Retrieved 2017-10-17.
  21. ↑ "Turkey's KGR energy partnership". Foreign Policy . 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  22. ↑ "Turkish Consulate General in Erbil". MFA of Turkey . Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  23. ↑ "The Kurds and US Foreign Policy: International Relations in the Middle East since 1945". Insight Turkey. 2011. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  24. 1 2 "KRG-US Relations". Kurdistan Regional Government . Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  25. ↑ "KRG office in DC". Kurdistan Commentary. 2008-11-28. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
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