PM Barzani visits UAE, partakes in energy forum

Julian Bechocha

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's prime minister landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday to participate in an energy forum, where he will be a main panelist in the event, according to a statement from the premier's office.

"I'm pleased to be back in the UAE to brief investors on opportunities in our energy sector and discuss with the leadership recent regional developments," said PM Masrour Barzani in a tweet.

The annual Global Energy Forum will be attended by numerous experts and national leaders and will be held in Dubai on March 28 and 29.

Barzani will also hold talks with the "rulers to explore synergies in education, energy, and trade," and will participate in meetings with "leading oil and gas companies," according to Aziz Ahmad, deputy chief of staff to the prime minister.

Global energy exports are shrouded with uncertainty as Russia's invasion of Ukraine surpasses its one-month mark. Gulf states have been treading carefully with the situation, seeking to maintain neutrality with Russia, also part of OPEC+, an organization with major influence over oil prices.

In addition to the forum, the premier will also partake in this year's World Government Summit held in tandem with the energy forum. The summit will focus on the "development of tools, policies, and models that are essential in shaping future governments."

On the sidelines of the two conferences, Barzani will also meet with UAE government officials.

The prime minister visited the UAE in January, where he met with the crown prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and discussed expanding cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Erbil.

Last month, Barzani visited Qatar and discussed energy, investment, and trade with top officials from the country.

Barzani said in October that his cabinet has plans to double the Kurdistan Region's gas production within two years.