President Barzani, Azerbaijani envoy discuss opening consulate in Erbil

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday met with the Azerbaijani charge d'affaires to Iraq to discuss the strengthening of ties between Baku and Erbil and the process of opening Azerbaijan’s consulate in Erbil. 

Barzani and Nasir Mammadov “talked about the process of opening a consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kurdistan Region and the necessary procedures for this process” which were discussed during a meeting between Barzani and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Germany back in February, according to a statement from Barzani’s office. 

During the meeting, an upcoming visit by Barzani to Baku “and the situation in the region in general and a group of common issues of concern to both sides” were also touched on. 

In February, Barzani met Aliyev during the Munich Security Conference in Germany where the Azerbaijani leader told the Kurdistan Region’s president that Baku is working on opening a consulate in Erbil.

Barzani and Aliyev also discussed regional developments as well as the peace and stability of the region during their meeting. 

Discussions have also been underway with Qatari officials to open a consulate in Erbil as the Kurdistan Region seeks to boost diplomatic ties and trade with key regional and international actors.

Updated at 3:20 pm with Mammadov's correct role