ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with UAE Consul General Ahmad Ibrahim Al Dhaheri in Erbil on Sunday, extending appreciation for his contributions to fostering Kurdistan-UAE ties as Al Dhaheri concludes his diplomatic duties.

The two officials underscored the strong, strategic relations between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE, with Al Dhaheri expressing a commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

“During the meeting, we discussed the close relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the UAE, and we expressed our gratitude to the Consul for his role in strengthening bilateral relations throughout his tenure,” Prime Minister Barzani said in a statement on his official Facebook page.

“The UAE Consul General described the relationship between his country and the Kurdistan Region as strategic, affirming the commitment to further strengthen coordination and bilateral cooperation across various fields,” the statement added.

The UAE is the second-largest investor in the Kurdistan Region, responsible for 25% of its foreign direct investment after China. Emirati companies have collectively invested over $2.5 billion in the Region, with bilateral trade valued at around $3 billion annually. Dana Gas, a major UAE company, produces up to 500 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in Kurdistan, powering domestic consumption and electricity generation.

Agricultural cooperation is also expanding, with the KRG exporting key crops like pomegranates, apples, grapes, and potatoes to the UAE. In a recent agreement, the Region expects to export 5,000 tons of potatoes annually, representing about 90% of its potato exports to the UAE, officials noted.