ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met on Thursday with Iraqi Minister of Commerce, Asir Daud al-Ghareri, to discuss bolstering cooperation and coordination between the two governments.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between the institutions of the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government, with a particular focus on trade and economic development. PM Barzani and Minister Ghareri agreed on the need to respect the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region while working closely to advance mutual interests.

The discussions also highlighted the necessity of facilitating the role of the private sector in building and promoting economic infrastructure, which is essential for the country’s overall development. "The need to provide facilities for the private sector to play an active role in building and promoting economic infrastructure was highlighted," according to a statement from the meeting.

Preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Iraqi Ministerial Economic Council, scheduled to be held in Erbil, were also a key topic of discussion. The council aims to address and resolve ongoing issues between both sides, further reinforcing the cooperative framework between the governments.

PM Barzani reiterated his government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for economic growth and emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue to ensure the prosperity of both Kurdistan and Iraq as a whole.