Iranian FM Zarif extends condolences to PM Barzani over loss of twin
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif extended his condolences in a statement to KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday for the death of the PM’s twin brother, Dilovan Barzani.
"May he rest in peace and God grant you patience," Zarif added.
On Monday, Dilovan Idris Barzani, 51, passed away in Erbil after a heart attack. Three days of mourning were declared in the Kurdistan Region.
Relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iran deteriorated following the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum last September. Iran — at the request of the Iraqi government — became the first country to close its airspace to flights in and out of Kurdistan a day before the September 25 referendum.
As of Tuesday, there have been no flights between the Kurdistan Region and Iran.
Tensions have eased in recent months after Tehran decided to reopen its border crossings with the Kurdistan Region.
As part of continued efforts to mend ties, PM Barzani visited Iran in late January on a two day visit where he met Iranian top officials including President Hassan Rouhani.
Barzani at that time had thanked Iran for its support to the Kurdistan Region during the fight against ISIS, adding that the KRG had always been grateful to Iran.
Zarif called the news of the death of the premier’s dear brother Dilovan Barzani “saddening” in a statement released by the KRG.
He extended sincere condolences to PM Barzani, his family, and all the people of the Kurdistan Region.
"May he rest in peace and God grant you patience," Zarif added.
On Monday, Dilovan Idris Barzani, 51, passed away in Erbil after a heart attack. Three days of mourning were declared in the Kurdistan Region.
Relations between the Kurdistan Region and Iran deteriorated following the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum last September. Iran — at the request of the Iraqi government — became the first country to close its airspace to flights in and out of Kurdistan a day before the September 25 referendum.
As of Tuesday, there have been no flights between the Kurdistan Region and Iran.
Tensions have eased in recent months after Tehran decided to reopen its border crossings with the Kurdistan Region.
As part of continued efforts to mend ties, PM Barzani visited Iran in late January on a two day visit where he met Iranian top officials including President Hassan Rouhani.
Barzani at that time had thanked Iran for its support to the Kurdistan Region during the fight against ISIS, adding that the KRG had always been grateful to Iran.