ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed boosting economic and commercial relations with Kurdistan Region officials during his trip to Erbil on Tuesday, according to statements. Zarif and President Nechirvan Barzani discussed several topic, including the "broadening of economic and trade relations between Iraq and Kurdistan Region and Iran as well as trade movement on their borders," according to a statement from the President's office. Zarif said that he was "concerned" about the recent attacks on Erbil, adding that Iran wants stability and security for the Kurdistan Region. Zarif and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani “discussed developing relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on mutual respect and interest. They also stressed on bolstering relations in terms of economy and trade exchange,” reads a statement from the PM's office. They also touched on Erbil-Baghdad relations and the Kurdistan Region’s share in the federal budget law which was passed by Iraqi parliament recently, added the statement. “We emphasized the importance of our bilateral relationship and ensuring peace and stability in the region,” tweeted PM Barzani. Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to Barzani, tweeted that Zarif has invited PM Barzani to Tehran. The FM also met with Masoud Barzani - leader of the Region’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). Zarif later visited Sulaimani province, meeting with co-chairs of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Zarif arrived in Baghdad on Monday, meeting with President Barham Salih and PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Zarif’s visit to Iraq comes after talks between rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran reportedly took place earlier this month in Baghdad, facilitated by Kadhimi. Iran’s ambassador to Iraq last week welcomed Baghdad’s efforts to mend regional relations, and expressed Iran’s readiness for talks. Iran and the Kurdistan Region enjoy good economic relations, sharing several border crossings. A large number of Iranian companies work in the Kurdistan Region’s various sectors.
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