Barzani hails Turkey-KRG ties in congratulatory message to Erdogan

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday on his recent election victory, saying that ties between Turkey and the Kurdistan Region had improved during his presidency and that all parties should work with him for peace and stability in the region.

“During your time in office relations between the Republic of Turkey and the Kurdistan Region have greatly improved which has had its effect on stability and people’s lives,” PM Barzani said in a message. “It was also a good example for the region.”

Barzani said that he congratulated Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) and all other winning parties in Sunday’s elections.

“We in the Kurdistan Region do once again stress our desire to continue and advance those ties,” Barzani said.

The Kurdish prime minister welcomed Erdogan’s victory speech that encouraged an end to discrimination in Turkey and he applauded some of his past policies.

“Your insistence in your victory speech on eliminating all kinds discrimination is something to be supported by all,” Barzani said. “During your term many unfair bans have been lifted and we hope that all sides will stand by you for achieving peace.”

“The Kurdistan Regional Government will continue to support all efforts for peace in the region.”