Sema
The relationship between Austria and the Kurdistan Region has deep historical roots and has evolved significantly over the decades.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Andrea Nasi, Austria’s Ambassador to Iraq, in Erbil on Thursday. The meeting underscored the mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), both parties emphasized the importance of further developing bilateral relations in various fields. They also discussed recent developments in Iraq, particularly preparations for the upcoming Iraqi elections.
Ambassador Nasi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Barzani for the KRG’s cooperation and coordination with the Austrian embassy, highlighting the longstanding relationship between Austria and the Kurdistan Region.
Austria-Kurdistan Region Relations
The relationship between Austria and the Kurdistan Region has deep historical roots and has evolved significantly over the decades. In 1957, Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani, the father of President Masoud Barzani, met with Bruno Kreisky, who would later become Austria’s Foreign Minister, marking an early point of contact.
The ties strengthened notably in the 1970s when Austria granted asylum to Kurdish refugees fleeing conflicts in Iraq. President Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), visited Vienna in 1979, further cementing the relationship.
In recent years, both regions have sought to bolster economic, cultural, and academic collaborations. The establishment of the KRG’s representation office in Vienna on June 14, 2012, marked a significant milestone, aiming to enhance coordination between the communities and governments of the Kurdistan Region and Austria.
High-level meetings have continued to play a pivotal role in this partnership. These ongoing interactions reflect a shared commitment to strengthening ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration between Austria and the Kurdistan Region.