Kurdistan
Czech Consul General Karel Kortanek (Left) and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (Right) on February 1, 2022. Photo: submitted
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The newly-appointed consul general of the Czech Republic on Sunday said the consulate has had a “positive role” in enhancing cultural ties with the Kurdistan Region and is now working towards strengthening economic ties that were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the war against the Islamic State (ISIS).
“I am here to make some practical steps forward to strengthen the economic and cultural relations between my country and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” Karel Kortanek said in an email responding to Rudaw Media Network’s questions, noting that several companies had left the Region due to the security threat posed by ISIS and the coronavirus.
In an attempt to boost the economic ties, the Czech Consulate is planning to hold the Czech Business Day in the Kurdish capital this autumn.
The day is designated to “provide an opportunity for Kurdish and Czechian companies and investors to meet with each other and build solid trade and business relations,” Kortanek wrote in the email.
The Czech Republic is represented in the Kurdistan Region through a consulate general since 2006. It enjoys good relations with the Region and their relationship is characterized by high-level talks and cooperation against ISIS.Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Kortanek earlier this month.
During the meeting, the consul reiterated that the Czech Republic is ready to bolster its ties with the Region.
Prague has also long supported the Kurdistan Region with humanitarian aid projects.
In his email, the consul added that the consulate “has also built some projects in terms of health and education sectors” in the Kurdistan Region.
The consulate has supported health, sanitation, and education projects in the region, including the establishment of clinics in the Yazidi homeland of Shingal.
Kortanek also highlighted the Region’s potential in terms of the tourism sector and ways to develop it.
“It [Kurdistan Region] is safe and secure and it has a lot to offer tourists such as mountains, amazing landscapes, and historical, religious, and natural attractions. I have held meetings with KRG’s tourism board and we are trying to have some practical steps,” he wrote.
Last year, the Czech Consulate organized a “diplomatic friendship bazaar” in Erbil, aimed at strengthening ties between the local community and consulates of eight countries.
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