Kurdistan's diplomatic relations

[alan131210]

i am going to list the consulates that are currently operating in KRG , feel free to add any if you know i will add as many as i can find .

[alan131210]

July 11, 2011

ERBIL-Hewlêr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — The United States on Sunday opened its first consulate in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, a symbol of the normalization of U.S.-Iraqi relations as U.S. military forces withdraw, and recognition of the dynamic growth of the Kurdish economy.

At the second such event in less than a week, after dedication of a similar mission in Basra, the southern oil hub, U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey said America's "fondest wish" is that a "strong and vibrant Kurdistan region" within a democratic and federal Iraq "arise from the tragic history of this region."

He was referring to years of suppression of Kurdish culture, the gassing of thousands of Kurds and the wholesale displacement of Kurds from traditional lands by the Saddam Hussein regime, which the U.S. overthrew in the 2003 invasion.
Kurdistan president Massoud Barzani Attends Official Opening Ceremony of US Consulate in Erbil. July 10, 2011 photo: KRP.org
Earlier, Edwin D. Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International Inc., signed a deal to manage a 200-room hotel and a 75-room executive-apartment complex being built by a Kurdish partner. The complex, which is rising near to Erbil airport, also represented a vote of confidence by a top U.S. business that the Kurdistan region, with its oil wealth, its openness to the world and overall security, is heading for a major boom.

Unlike Basra, where the new U.S. consulate is housed in a highly fortified military base, away from the town and able to provide only emergency services for the time being,www.ekurd.netthe consulate in Erbil is in a suburb close to the city's airport in a compound of at least two dozen private homes, which the U.S. government is leasing to provide work space and housing for at least 15 diplomats.

The dedication was at times highly emotional, particularly for the Kurds, who to some extent owe the survival of their political aspirations and current prosperity to U.S. backing at key moments in their recent history.

Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani said that Kurds "will never forget" U.S. support going back to the Kurdish uprising in 1991, at the time of the Persian Gulf War, when the United States and Britain established no-fly zones over the ethnic Kurdish region. This provided "a sort of safe haven" for Kurds, he said, "and we were able to benefit from that opportunity to work on a reconstruction of our country and building institutions here in the region."

Then in 2003, the Kurdish Peshmerga militia took part in the U.S.-led assault to overthrow Saddam. "With your assistance, we were able to topple the dictatorial regime in Iraq . . . to provide the golden opportunity for the people of Iraq to build a democratic country," Barzani said.

Thomas Nides, the visiting U.S. deputy secretary of state, spoke of a "20-year friendship" with Kurds, one that "was forged in the hardships of the first Gulf war, and that continued through the liberation of Iraq from Saddam Hussein, and all the difficulties that followed, and one that's thriving today."


Nides has described the current U.S. transition from conquest and occupation to friendship and alliance as the biggest U.S.-run transition since the Marshall Plan was devised to help Europe recover from World War II.

"We are definitely normalizing our relations, with the government, people, all forces in this country," Jeffrey said later. But he noted a major exception, an insurgency that seeks to oust the U.S. from the region. He said extremists were trying "every means - political, protest, intimidation and vicious mass violence to drive America out of here and then . . . to create we don't' know quite what kind of government." He said the consulate showed that the U.S. was here to stay.

The United States maintained an active and large regional reconstruction team in Kurdistan until now, and its local staff and U.S. diplomats will transfer to the new consulate. But it's somewhat behind other major regional and foreign powers in setting up a diplomatic presence, following Britain, France, Germany, Iran, Kuwait, Russia and Turkey, among others.

Kurdistan's economy, supported by the sale of oil, is thriving and expanding rapidly, compared with the overall Iraqi economy. The skyline in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, demonstrates an enormous building boom.

Jeffrey, at the signing of the hotel agreement earlier in the afternoon, took note of Kurdistan's rapid growth in comparison to the rest of the country. "Our motto," he said, "is today, Erbil, tomorrow, all of Iraq."

http://www.demotix.com/news/752454/offi ... late-erbil
http://www.demotix.com/news/752454/official-opening-ceremony-us-consulate-erbil">http://www.demotix.com/news/752454/offi ... late-erbil

[alan131210]

May 29, 2011

Former UK PM Sir John Major arrives in Erbil, opens British Consulate

Salahadin, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, – President Masoud Barzani on Saturday welcomed Sir John Major, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, in his office in Salahaddin. Sir John Major played a major role in establishing a UN-mandated safe-haven for Iraqi Kurds following their mass exodus in the first Gulf War in 1991.
Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Kurds fled the terror and persecution of the former Iraq regime. The allies, led by the United States and the United Kingdom, established a safe-haven and the subsequent no-fly zone to help the Kurdish refugees return to their homes and to establish a de-facto autonomous region, which continued until the fall of the Saddam regime in 2003.

Later in the day, President Barzani and Sir John Major attended the official opening ceremony of the British Consulate General in Erbil as guests of honor.

“It’s a great honor and privilege to be here. Although I have been following the news of Iraqi Kurdistan for many years, I have long wanted to visit this region to see for myself the developments that have taken place,” said Sir Major addressing a gathering of KRG officials and foreign diplomats during the opening ceremony.

“I am honored to be here to open the British Consulate General in Erbil. This is a strong reiteration of the commitment of Britain to the people of Iraqi Kurdistan. I am also proud to have played a part in setting up a safe-haven back in 1991. You have set an example for the whole region on how to work toward democracy.

“The Kurdish people should be proud of themselves, and of their leadership, who have led this region to where it is today and for their wise polices of opening up the region to foreign investment and economic trade. We are also here to celebrate the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth,” said Sir John Major. He conveyed the greetings of Queen Elizabeth to President Barzani.

Later, President Barzani also addressed the gathering and after warmly welcoming and paying tribute to the former British Prime Minister for his decisive role in creating the safe-haven in Iraqi Kurdistan, said that the opening of this consulate in Erbil is a strong indication of the strength of our relations with Great Britain.

“We are all honored to have Sir John Major here in Kurdistan to participate in the official opening ceremony of the British Consulate General. This will no doubt further strengthen the solid relationship between Iraq, and particularly the Kurdistan Region, on the one hand and the United Kingdom on the other hand. The people of Kurdistan will never forget what you have done for them. I would also like to wish happy birthday to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth” said President Barzani.

President Barzani later hosted a dinner in the honor of Sir John Major in a restaurant in Erbil. New British Ambassador Michael Aaron and British Consul General in Erbil Chris Bowers accompanied Sir John Major.

http://kurdistantribune.com/2011/former ... ate-erbil/

[alan131210]

21:26:00 01 Jun. 2008

Minister Kouchner opens French Embassy Office in Erbil

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) - Dr Bernard Kouchner, France’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, today presided over the opening of the French Embassy Office in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region.

France has had a diplomatic presence in the Erbil for some time, and the opening of the Embassy Office signals its dedication to developing closer ties with the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani in his speech thanked France and Dr Kouchner for their steadfast friendship through both good times and bad.

He said, “It was Dr Kouchner who urged the UN to put an end to the mass atrocities [in 1991] the against the Kurdish people. He significantly contributed to UN Security Council Resolution 688, which was submitted by France and then adopted by the United Nations Security Council creating a legal basis for the process that led to the protection of nearly two million Kurdish refugees."

He added, "Minister Kouchner, we are very happy that today we are meeting you under quite different circumstances…Today, we are living in a new phase but we continue to need the support of the international community in the process of reconstruction within the Kurdistan Region and all of Iraq.”

Dr Kouchner, a long-time friend and visitor to the Kurdistan Region, addressed the two hundred invited guests who included French, Iraqi and KRG officials. He said, "I am overwhelmed by this warm welcome and to see all the political and economical progress from when I was here in the 70s and 80s. The Kurdistan Region is becoming a model for all of Iraq to follow."

He added that a strong Kurdistan Region is needed for all of Iraq to succeed. He said, "This embassy office will be a full fledged consulate in Erbil, and we look forward to continued relations for everyone's benefit."

He and Dr Frédéric Tissot, the Head of the French Embassy Office, raised the French and European Union flag and later gave a brief tour of the newly renovated building.

Mr Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, said, “We welcome this visit by our friend Minister Kouchner, as well as the French decision to open an Embassy Office here in Erbil. It is a great step forward and will certainly enhance relations between the Kurdistan Region and France.”

France is the 12th country to open an embassy office or consulate in Erbil, and also funds the Arthur Rimbaud French Cultural Centre inside the city’s ancient citadel. Other countries with diplomatic representatives in the Kurdistan Region include the Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Iran, Italy, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Russian Federation, Spain, the UK and the US.

KRG.org

[alan131210]

November 28, 2007

Erbil-Hewler, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', -- The Russian consulate was inaugurated in the Kurdistan's capital Erbil on Wednesday to provide Kurdish citizens who wish to enter Russia with the necessary visas.

In his word, Russian ambassador to Iraq at the inauguration ceremony said "We are in Erbil today to witness a historic step by inaugurating the Russian consulate."

"This step came after long negotiations between the Russian government from one side and the Iraqi and Kurdish governments from the other," he noted.

"Kurdish citizens can now get Russia's entry visa from the consulate in Erbil instead of going to Baghdad," the ambassador highlighted.
Russia consulate was inaugurated in Kurdistan region

He unveiled his country's plan to open a consulate in the southern city of Basra in Iraq, without providing further details.

For his part, Iraq's Kurdistan region's Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani expressed joy over the opening of the Russian consulate. http://www.ekurd.net

"The inauguration of the Russian consulate is due to the deep-rooted relations between the two countries," the premier noted.

Erbil witnessed also today the inauguration of the U.N. regional office; the first among the three offices announced by the U.N. two months ago within its plan to expand its role in Iraq.

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani marked the occasion of the opening of the Russian Consulate by welcoming President Putin's Special Envoy, Mr. Igor Yusufov, and saying, "I want to convey my special thanks to President Putin for taking this courageous decision and the interest he gives the Kurdistan Region. This heralds a new phase in the relationship of the peoples of Russia and the Kurdistan Region.”

Touching on the two nation's shared history, the Prime Minister said, "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."

The Prime Minister said, "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."

Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the KRG's Department of Foreign Relations, said, "The opening of the General Consulate is an example of the progress that can be achieved by cooperation between the KRG and Baghdad's Ministry of Foreign Affairs." He went on to say, "Having endured decades of isolation, the KRG is now reaching out to the world to forge social, cultural and economic ties. We believe this presents an excellent opportunity for Russian business in the Kurdistan Region itself, as well as launching pad for the rest of Iraq. We are most pleased to welcome our friends from the Russian Federation."

The Russian Federation is the second country, after Iran, to open a fully accredited consulate in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the UK and US also maintain diplomatic representation in the Kurdistan Region.

Earlier, Iraqi Kurdistan government announced that it will open 15 representations abroad, the offices will be opened in Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and other countries. also announced that Greece had decided to open a consulate in Kurdistan.

VOI | KRG

[alan131210]

Officials in Berlin made the announcement on Monday, July 22 2008, a day before Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki begins talks in the German capital.

Germany already has a small office in Arbil. A consulate-general is a full-scale mission outside a nation's capital. The mission would open at the start of 2009 once security issues had been settled, the foreign ministry said.

Boosting trade

Al-Maliki was set to meet on Tuesday in Berlin with Chancellor Angela Merkel to press for more German investment in and trade with Iraq. German businesses are already operating in the relatively calm north.

Arbil is capital of a predominantly Kurdish province also called Arbil.

Germany's embassy in the capital Baghdad has been hampered by its location outside the most secure, US-guarded part of the city.

KRG.org
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,3500382, ... l-1573-rdf

[alan131210]

Swedish FM: Sweden comes to Kurdistan

February 25, 2010

ERBIL-Hewlêr, Kurdistan region 'Iraq', — On Thursday 25 February the Swedish honorary consulate was opened in the Kurdistan region, while yesterday the Baghdad embassy was opened. “It’s a happy day for Kurdistan and for Sweden,” said Sweden’s ambassador in Baghdad Niclas Trouvé.

Niclas Trouvé said Sweden has many friends in Kurdistan and lot of Kurds in Sweden and that he always wondered why Sweden didn’t have a consulate in Kurdistan.
Swedish consulate opened in the Kurdistan's capital, Erbil
The guests of honour were Kurdish PM Barham Salih, Kurdish FM Fallah Mustafa Bakir, Iraqi FM Hoshyar Zebari, Chief of Staff to the Kurdish President Fuad Hussein and the Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt. Cultural performances. Also mention one more person.

Barham Salih said the opening of the consulate was a statement of confidence in the future of Kurdistan and future relationships between Iraq and Kurdistan. Salih said emotionally that Sweden has a very special place in the heart of Kurds, because they welcomed many Kurds, when Saddam carried out a genocide against the Kurds. “You have made emissaries of good will here in Kurdistan and I hope this opening of the consulate will be a good step forward." Salih emphasized that Kurdistan is an entry point to the rest of Iraq and said all Swedish companies are welcome.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said Sweden has a self-interest of opening a consulate here. “For strategic reasons, we are all aware there has developed over time a small Kurdistan in Sweden. Now it is time for Sweden in Kurdistan.” Bildt said Sweden will use the consulate for development,www.ekurd.netadvancing democracy and business. Bildt said Sweden has a big embassy in Baghdad, but he ‘prefers the scenery here [in Kurdistan] without the concrete. It certifies the security and developments are different here than in Baghdad.”

The new honorary consul Carl-Hendrik Assargard told Rudaw, that he used to run the NGO Qandil which helps refugees in Kurdistan, like the Syrian Kurds. His NGO is also busy with a big water management project, but he told Rudaw that his function in the NGO and the consulate are segregated.

He emphasized that the consulate is not entitled to issue visas and residence permits. “We have had many requests, but we don’t offer visas,” Assargard said. The consulate is meant as a communication link between the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and people in the Kurdistan region, according to a foreign diplomat the consulate was opened because the Kurds want recognition, no matter if it’s a official consulate or a honorary one.

A representative of the Swedish company Ericcson, Fredrik, said that he hopes the consulate will increase their business. The company operates from Amman, but recently opened a new office on 25 February. Ericcson has a contract with Korek for providing global telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators.

Swedish consultant Annika Astrom was also positive about the new consulate. She said it could open more projects in Kurdistan. A Swedish Kurd, Asos Shafeek, said it’s very important for Kurdistan that there is a consulate. “There are many Kurds in Sweden and people from Sweden here. It’s an important bridge between Kurdistan and Sweden.” Iraqi director of Sardar trading Agencies Munem Nahar also thinks it’s important for business in Kurdistan and he hopes he could import Volvo’s from Sweden.

There are around 100.000 Iraqis living in Sweden, of which the majority is Kurdish. Also many Kurds from other parts of the Middle-East are living in Sweden.

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Consulates in Iraqi Kurdistan

In October 2009, Dutch consulate was inaugurated in the Kurdistan's capital, Erbil

In February 2009, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier opens consulate in first trip to Iraqi Kurdistan Region

In June 2008, the French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner inaugurated a new French diplomatic office in Erbil, the Iraqi Kurdistan's capital.

http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/mi ... te3562.htm

[alan131210]

03/04/2012 10:53

ERBIL, April 3 (AKnews) - Bulgaria is set to reopen its embassy in Baghdad and open a new consulate in Erbil in 2012 in a bid to help strengthen ties between the two countries.

Nikolay MladenovThe news came during a meeting between Kurdistan Region President Massoud Barzani and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nickolay Mladenov during a recent trip to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria's embassy in Baghdad was shut down in 2003 as war loomed on the horizon.

In a separate meeting, Barzani and Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov discussed ways to develop cooperation and investment opportunities in a number of fields including agriculture, energy, water resources, education, health and tourism.

“We would like to establish a strategic relationship with the Kurdistan Region, and to this end, we're prepared to work with you in a number of areas," said Borisov.

"We'll encourage Bulgarian companies to explore trade and investment opportunities in Kurdistan and through Kurdistan as a gateway, in the rest of Iraq."

Barzani said that the Kurdistan Regional Government is equally keen to establish strong ties with Bulgaria and it invites Bulgarian firms and investors to explore opportunities in the region.

Both sides agreed on the need for follow-up meetings by field experts and further visits between officials from both sides to further explore areas for mutual cooperation.

Barzani also met Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and talked about the many cultural and historical similarities that exist between the two countries.

The delegation ended its two-day visit to Bulgaria on Friday and traveled on to the United States to meet President Barack Obama and other US officials this week.

http://dfr.krg.org/a/d.aspx?l=12&a=39236

[alan131210]

17/10/2011

BAGHDAD - Al Sabah

Polish ambassador to Iraq Stananin Slav that his government decided to open a consulate general in Erbil soon instead of opening an honorary consulate.

He Slav during a press conference in Arbil, said his government "quickly changed its previous resolution containing the open honorary consulate in Arbil, to decide to be a consulate general," adding, "We are now in the implementation of legal procedures to open this consulate."

And move the location of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) for Slav saying that "a delegation from the province of MAHON Polska will visit Kurdistan soon to conclude cooperation agreements with the presidency of the region, to develop relations between the two sides," explaining that "these conventions listed will include the areas of water, agriculture, industry, energy and the effects and culture."

He added that his country "attaches great importance to the Kurdish people and their cause," pointing to "open section Cordologi at two Pulonatin, as we will have, in the coming years, a dedicated team fluent in Kurdish, which contribute much to strengthen the relations between the two sides along the channels of communication other ".

http://www.google.com/translate?u=http% ... en&ie=UTF8

[alan131210]

29/09/2011 16:56

Najaf, September 29 / September (Rn) - The economic adviserat the Embassy of Croatia to the Iraq Thursday Nbladeh intention to open three consulates in Erbil and Basra and Najaf, to expand the horizons of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Said Jassim Mohammed Zahir during a joint news conference with the governor of Najaf, Adnan al that his visit to Najaf, "came the desire of the Government and people of Croatia to open prospects for cooperation and promotion with Iraq in all fields."

"The opening of the trade house in Baghdad and Najaf in the next few months will contribute to the development of trade and economic relations between Croatia and Iraq."

For his part, Zurfi pointed out that "the province ofNajaf agreed with Croatia on the reception of a technical delegation to discuss the possibility that it contributes to the Croatian companies to invest in the residential sector and alternative energy and infrastructure projects."

"It was further agreed to invite the cultural and political figures to attend Najaf, the capital of Islamic culture in2012."

He also said that Najaf, "opened wide prospects for cooperation with the countries of the world, including Croatia, which had shown willingness to contribute, through its various structures in the construction of tribute to the province."

http://www.aknews.com/ar/aknews/4/264308/

[alan131210]

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (DFR.krg.org) – Yesterday, the Head of KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa, welcomed the newly appointed Romanian Consul to the Kurdistan Region.

The arrival Mr Eugen Sihleanu brings the total number of foreign representatives in Kurdistan to 24. He has arrived to prepare the ground for the opening of a new diplomatic office scheduled for later this year.

In welcoming Mr Sihleanu to his new role, Minister Mustafa said he hoped his arrival would be the beginning of more Romanian engagement in the Region. He said, ‘We are pleased to have you in Erbil, and we hope that your presence here will facilitate and encourage more communication and increased coordination with Romania.’

Minister Mustafa also highlighted the importance of having a diplomatic presence in Erbil, which he said will promote more awareness of political developments and investment opportunities as they arise. He said, ‘We want to go beyond the limits of exchanging visits; we are interested in consolidating meaningful partnerships between our people and the international community.’

The Romanian Consul said that his government hoped to open the consulate as soon as the necessary groundwork was completed. He also touched on the historic ties that Kurdistan has with the people of Romania, saying that more than 200 Kurds settled in Romania to pursue their studies back in the 1980s.

‘We are here to establish a constructive relationship with the KRG and the people of Kurdistan. We want to promote strong economic ties to ensure mutual benefit from the involvement of our business community in the Region,’ he added. Mr Sihleanu pledged to work closely with Minister Mustafa and his department to ensure that their mission is successful and productive.

Mr Sihleanu was accompanied by Mr Catalin Stoica, the Romanian Economic Counselor stationed in Kurdistan.

http://dfr.krg.org/a/d.aspx?l=12&a=41550

[alan131210]

ERBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan--The Italian government will open a consulate in Erbil by the end of summer, an official at the Italian embassy in Baghdad said.

Talan Awny, at the Italian Embassy in Baghdad, said the new consulate, which was scheduled to open earlier this year, will open in Iraqi Kurdistan’s capital in the next one or two months.

Italian officials say they want the Kurdistan region to become a gateway for Italian companies to trade in Iraq.

An economic conference recently held in Erbil between the Kurdistan region and Italy’s Lombardy region was attended by 12 Italian companies, universities and research groups.

The conference came two years after the Kurdish government and Lombardy regional government signed an agreement facilitating Italian investments in Kurdistan. The agreement also opened the door for Kurdish students to study in Italy and for Kurdish businessmen to attend Italian trade fairs.

“We believe that Kurdistan in a lot of ways is like our region,” said Anna Paola Di Camillio, head of international relations for the Lombardy region. “Kurdistan is the most progressive and richest region in Iraq, just as the Lombardy region is in Italy.”

“I see a lot of similarities between here and Lombardy region. Kurdistan is home to the largest Christian community in Iraq and we are Christians, too. Kurdistan has had a bloody history, but it has big potential to go forward and have a stable economy and we will use our experience to [help] Kurdistan develop,” she added.

Mauro Mariani, Trade Commissioner at the Italian Embassy in Jordan, said they will focus on economic opportunities in Iraqi Kurdistan.

“We will have a lot of economic activities with Kurdistan and we will send hundreds of Kurdish businessman to Italian international [trade] fairs, so they can get familiar with Italian markets,” he said.

Mattia Miglio, a manager with the Chamber of Commerce in Milan, the capital of Lombardy province, said he is optimistic about the future of the Kurdish-Italian relations and predicted that Kurdistan will become an economic gateway for the rest of Iraq.
“We see strong connections between the Kurds and Italians,” he said. “That’s why I see a bright future in this relationship.”

http://www.rudaw.net/english/kurds/3776.html

[alan131210]

ARBIL / IraqiNews.com: The Danish government has decided to open a consulate in Arbil, the capital city of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, according to a senior official in the regional government. “In the context of furthering international relations between the Kurdistan region and the world, Denmark has decided to open a consulate in the region,” a foreign relations department official in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Falah Mostafa, said in a statement that was received by IraqiNews.com news agency.
Fifteen countries have representative offices and consulates in the northern region, Mostafa noted. Arbil lies 349 km northeast of Baghdad.

http://www.iraqinews.com/politics/denma ... kurdistan/

[alan131210]

13/03/2012

Serbian Ambassador to Baghdad Radisav Petrovic , visited on Monday , Foreign Affairs department in Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) , and was received by Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir Head of the department.

The two sides , stressed the need to consolidate bilateral ties between Kurdistan Region and Serbia .

Ambassador Petrovic, for his part , highlighted work and activities of the Serbian Embassy , stressing that his country intends to open a consulate in Kurdistan region in the near future .

http://www.gulan-media.com/english/t_de ... =1&id=1346

[alan131210]

05 April 2011

The Norwegian ambassador to Iraq said his country intends to open a representative office in Kurdistan soon. The official added his country intends to set vocational training for Iraqis.

The step is one of the plans to boost the economic, political and cultural ties with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Peter Olberg told AKnews Sunday.

He said so far some 10 Norwegian companies demand assistance for investment in Iraq. Besides, Olberg added, since Iraqis, including Iraqi Kurds, comprise the fourth largest refugee nationality in Norway, extending the relations with Iraq is a wise policy.

Some 18 states have consulates in the Kurdistan Region. The number is on the rise for many other states are in line to enter Kurdistan, as a relatively safe station for reaching out to the broader Iraq which is mired in violence. Recently Bulgarian and the UAE have also applied.

The ambassador referred to a technical issue for opening the consulate in Kurdistan. He said, under law, any country wishing to open a consulate in a country should already have an embassy in that country.

“However, due to the unrest in Iraq still we don’t have an embassy in Baghdad,” Olberg said.

Norway has plans to train some Iraqis; Iraqi judges, lawyers and security forces will be trained in Norway but their number and also the date for such courses are yet to be declared, Olberg added.

(Source: KRG)