ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received South Korea's new Consul General in Erbil, Eoon-Gyo Shim, on Sunday, with both sides expressing commitment to expanding bilateral relations and cooperation.
According to a statement from his office, Barzani congratulated Shim on his appointment and wished him success in his new diplomatic mission.
"President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated his appreciation for the Republic of Korea's support and emphasized the Kurdistan Region's desire to further strengthen relations with the Republic of Korea and expand cooperation across all sectors," read the statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
South Korea and the Kurdistan Region have maintained close ties since the deployment of thousands of South Korean troops to the region following the fall of Iraq's former Baath regime. Between 2004 and 2008, the South Korean Zaytun Division supported reconstruction efforts in areas including education, healthcare, medical assistance, and capacity building.
Several major South Korean companies, including electronics giant LG and automotive manufacturers Hyundai and Kia, operate in the Kurdistan Region.
On his part, Shim praised Barzani's role in advancing ties between the two sides and said he was pleased to begin his diplomatic mission in the region, said the statement.
South Korea upgraded its diplomatic presence in Erbil from an embassy office to a consulate in 2016 and has continued supporting the region through development and humanitarian programs, including assistance for displaced people and refugees.
In September 2024, the Kurdistan Region marked 20 years of relations with South Korea. During the anniversary ceremony in Erbil, Barzani expressed his desire to further deepen cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Seoul.
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