Iraq News Now

Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President NechirvanBarzani met with local officials in Al-Sulaymaniyah on Tuesday, discussing keyissues including security and economic development, according to Al-SulaymaniyahGovernor Haval Abu Bakr.

Barzani’s visit to Barzani’s visit to Sulaimaniis part of a broader series of meetings with local governments across theKurdistan Region.

Following the meeting, Abu Bakr told reportersthat Barzani met with the local government at the provincial headquarters “toreview completed projects and discuss the support provided by the KurdistanRegional Government (KRG) and the federal government to the governorate.”

“In a separate session, Barzani held talks withsecurity, service, and relevant officials within Al-Sulaymaniyah’sjurisdiction.” Abu Bakr pointed out Barzani’s “strong backing for the localgovernment and its institutions, particularly as the governorate prepares forthe official launch of the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary election campaignon Wednesday.”

"We requested regular meetings between theKRG, political parties, and governmental institutions, as well as a unifiednational agenda to guide our efforts," Abu Bakr said.

He also raised the issue of Al-Sulaymaniyah InternationalAirport, urging the Kurdish President to negotiate with Turkiye to lift theflight ban imposed on the airport and to explore its further development. “Al-Sulaymaniyahairport is strategically positioned as a key transit point connecting SoutheastAsia and Europe,” he added, noting its proximity to major hubs like Erbil, Turkiye,Doha, and Dubai.

Abu Bakr further stressed the need for dialoguewith Turkiye over recent airstrikes that have damaged civilian properties andfarmlands, calling for political, security, and military talks to end theattacks.

The governor concluded by discussing theimportance of improving a vital trade route connected to the Bashmakhinternational border crossing, aiming to boost the region’s commercial ties.