ERBIL — The Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev, has stated that Moscow is closely monitoring its relations with the Kurdistan Region to strengthen and promote ties in various fields, benefiting both sides.

In a speech at the joint international conference between Soran University and the Institute of Oriental Studies (Russian Academy of Sciences), Kutrashev emphasized that Russia is focused on enhancing and developing relations with the Kurdistan Region across different sectors.

"Moscow views its relations with the Kurdistan Region as part of the bilateral relations between Russia and Iraq and values the loyalty of the Kurdish people to Russia, which has been reiterated more than once," he noted.

"The history of Kurdish-Russian relations dates back to the 18th century, when the East became the focal point of confrontations in the foreign policy of the Russian Empire," added the Russian envoy.

"In the mid-20th century, the Kurdish liberation leader Mullah Mustafa Barzani and his companions sought refuge in the Soviet Union for an extended period. Many of them established family ties with the Russian people, and many of their descendants now constitute an important part of the Russian diaspora in Kurdistan," explained Kutrashev.

"Russia, in Iraq and other countries in the region, sees the Kurds as an important factor in the domestic political balance, particularly in Syria, Iran, and Turkey. We have very active political and diplomatic relations with our Kurdish friends, which is why continuous visits and meetings should be organized to discuss current issues at regional and global levels," the ambassador indicated during his speech in Soran.

“Government and commercial institutions are committed to promoting and strengthening the economic capacity of the Kurdistan Region to implement joint projects in trade, investment, information exchange, and many other areas. Two companies are the largest investors in the oil and gas sector in the Kurdistan Region, which is significant,” he added.

"This year, the Russian government has provided 70 scholarships for Kurdish students at prominent universities in the country. I must say that these scholarships are available for all of Iraq, but since there are different regions in the country, the number has now increased to 70 per year."

He also mentioned that efforts are being made to establish direct relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Russian universities, including the opening of a branch for the Russian language.

"I am sure that this will give more impetus to relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia, providing a good opportunity to exchange experiences and build beneficial ties," he stated.

The Russian Ambassador to Iraq expressed his pleasure in visiting the Kurdistan Region, saying, “For my part, I am very comfortable visiting the Kurdistan Region, whether in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, or other cities."

A joint international conference of Soran University and the Institute of Oriental Studies (Russian Academy of Sciences) will be held in Erbil. The conference will discuss several issues related to the history of Kurdish-Russian relations, the dimensions and consequences of relations from the Soviet Union to the present, and will exchange views to further develop these relations.