ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - President Masoud Barzani on Wednesday received Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT), in Erbil, where the two discussed the latest developments in the region and ways to strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region and Turkey, according to Barzani's office.
"During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments and changes in the region, as well as the challenges facing regional stability and security," Barzani Headquarters said in a statement.
Barzani, former president of the Kurdistan Region and leader of the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and Kalin "emphasized the development of relations and coordination between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and Turkey in various fields," the statement added.
There was no immediate statement from the Turkish side.
Kalin, a longtime confidant of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who was appointed MIT director in June 2023, has held meetings with Iraqi politicians and officials over the past two days, including Kirkuk's first Turkmen governor, Mohammed Samaan Agha, who is a close ally of Ankara.
Turkey is the Kurdistan Region's largest trading partner.
