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Farhan conveyed greetings and respect from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Prime Minister Barzani.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday welcomed Sheikha Bashir Farhan, the newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mission in the Kurdistan Region, during a formal meeting in Erbil.
Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Farhan on assuming her new role and wished her success in her diplomatic mission. He expressed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) full support in facilitating her duties and enhancing cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE.
The Prime Minister praised the “special and friendly relations” shared between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE, reaffirming the KRG’s appreciation for the continued support and humanitarian assistance provided by the Emirati leadership and people over the years.
Farhan conveyed greetings and respect from UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Prime Minister Barzani. She also emphasized the UAE’s interest in deepening bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and development.
Kurdistan-UAE Relations: A Strategic and Evolving Partnership
Over the past decade, the UAE has played a critical role in providing humanitarian aid, reconstruction support, and investment in the Kurdistan Region, especially in the aftermath of the ISIS conflict.
Emirati humanitarian organizations, such as the Emirates Red Crescent, have contributed significantly to aid efforts for internally displaced persons and refugees across the Region. In parallel, Emirati businesses have shown growing interest in the Kurdistan Region’s energy, agriculture, and tourism sectors.
A major boost to bilateral ties came with Prime Minister Barzani’s recent visit to the UAE, where he met with top Emirati officials, including President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions during the visit focused on enhancing economic cooperation, regional stability, and strategic partnerships in development and infrastructure.
“The two leaders discussed the latest developments in Iraq and the broader region. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the longstanding friendship between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE. Additionally, they explored opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation and coordination across a range of sectors,” The KRG wrote in an official statement on Jan. 19, 2025.