President Barzani meets Iran's parliament speaker

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Iran’s Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran on Wednesday, discussing cooperation for enhancing regional security among other topics.

“Both sides emphasized enhancing the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in all areas,” read a statement from Barzani’s office. “They deemed mutual cooperation at the regional level essential to maintain stability and security.”

The meeting took place a day after Barzani attended the inauguration ceremony for Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. 

Also on Tuesday, Barzani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met in Tehran after attending the swearing-in ceremony. Topics included strengthening Erbil-Ankara relations.

The visit builds upon Barzani’s diplomatic trip to Tehran in May, when he met with top Iranian officials, including Ghalibaf, discussing mechanisms to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation. The trip played a large role in strengthening ties between Tehran and Erbil, Iranian Ambassador to Baghdad Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadeq told Rudaw at the time. 

Iran’s acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani visited Baghdad and Erbil in June.

The Kurdistan Region and Iran enjoy good ties. During a forum in Sulaimani in April, Barzani said that Iran has contributed to the economic “success” of the Kurdistan Region.