Speech by KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani

Erbil, 28 November 2007

Good day dear guests. I'd like to welcome the distinguished guests here today, especially the special representative of President Putin, the Ambassador of Russia in Baghdad, the delegation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the envoys of the Foreign Ministry of Federal Iraq, and the representatives of foreign countries in the Kurdistan Region. You are all most welcome.

I am proud and privileged today to attend with you the opening of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

We are happy that day by day new diplomatic representations are being opened in the Kurdistan Region. This is a sign that the Kurdistan Region is taking steps towards democracy, reconstruction and coexistence.

At this delicate and sensitive time, we need and appreciate the support of the international community. We are very pleased with this serious step.

We in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) warmly welcome this decision by the Russian Federation to open their consulate. This important step is an expression of the old relations between the Kurdish people and people of Russia.

Our people have not forgotten that Russia was a sanctuary for General Barzani and his comrades.

This historic event created strong ties between our two people. There is no doubt that this is the beginning of a new stage in our relations with the Russian Federation.

After the fall of the regime and the rebuilding of Iraq on a federal democratic basis, today the situation is conducive for such relations. I assure you that this step is highly valued and appreciated by the people of the Kurdistan Region, the government in Baghdad, and the KRG.

Here I would like to convey my special thanks to Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, for this courageous decision and the interest that he pays to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

This courageous attitude is very meaningful and opens a gate within the framework of the law and the constitution to advance our relations in political, economic, trade, cultural and other areas.

Today, under the constitution we are trying to rebuild our region, but we alone cannot carry out this huge task. We need the support and assistance of our friends in the international community.

We want to broaden the circle of our relations. Therefore we understand very well what it means to open this consulate officially at this stage.

This is an expression of your desire to establish strong ties with the people of Kurdistan and all Iraq.

We are confident that this effort will be mutually beneficial. At the same time, it is a sign of your confidence in the KRG and the safe and secure situation in the Kurdistan Region.

This step will stimulate our international relations. We in the KRG have tried in the past to take serious steps to secure peace and stability in the region and all of Iraq, and also to integrate into the world of international relations.

We were deprived of this opportunity in the past, and isolated from the outside world.

After the uprising of 1991 we have witnessed and passed through distinct stages to arrive at where we are today.

I am confident that today marks a new and bright stage in the relationship between the Kurdistan Region, Federal Iraq, and the Russian Federation.

This historic relations and sympathy which existed between the Kurdish and the Russian peoples is a stimulant for continued cooperation.

I hope that this consulate will be able to provide the necessary assistance regarding Russian commercial activities in the Kurdistan Region and become a bridge for relations and ties between the region and Russia.

Once again, thank you for this decision. I commend you.

I am confident that this step will serve the common interests of both sides and paves the way to a bright horizon in the future.

We in the Kurdistan Region believe in friendship and good relations with the international community, and have been trying hard to achieve this. Especially with countries like Russia with whom we share a common history.

Such relations open a wide door for companies and investors to benefit from the Kurdistan Region as a gateway to the rest of Iraq.

Finally, I would like to assure you that the KRG congratulates you on the opening of this consulate and welcomes you warmly to the Kurdistan Region and to Iraq.

The KRG reiterates its readiness to provide any kind of assistance and support for the success of your mission.

On behalf of the people of the Kurdistan Region, I convey my warm regards to the people of the Russian Federation. Once again, I'd like to extend my special thanks to President Putin for this courageous step.

Thank you again.

See also the press release: Russian Consulate General opens in Erbil.