WANA (Oct 12) – Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, stated that relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iran have significantly improved following his recent visits to Iran and a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

 

Speaking at the annual Middle East Research Institute (MERI) conference in Erbil, titled “Shaping the Future: Prospects for Peace and Prosperity”, Barzani emphasized the strategic importance of Iran as a neighbor and highlighted the long shared border. “We have never sought—and do not seek—any disruption in our relations with Iran,” he said.

 

Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region poses no threat to Iran or any of its neighbors, noting that maintaining security and stability in the region is central to Kurdish policy. “We aim to be a source of security and stability, not instability, in the region,” he added.

Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Social media/ WANA News Agency

On economic ties, Barzani noted that annual trade between Kurdistan and Iran reaches approximately $11 billion. He recalled that last year’s visit to Iran and subsequent high-level engagements—including a visit by the President of Iran to Erbil—opened a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, leading to positive changes.

 

Barzani reaffirmed that Kurdistan seeks to further develop and deepen its relations with Iran while ensuring the region never becomes a source of threat to the Islamic Republic. He also expressed gratitude for Iran’s support and cooperation during challenging periods in Kurdistan’s history.

 

“Following my visits to Iran and the meeting with the Supreme Leader, I believe the quality, nature, and depth of relations between Iran and the Kurdistan Region have improved significantly,” Barzani concluded.