Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Theoharis’ visit to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Erbil – Sulaymaniyah, 06-07.06.2026)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Theoharis paid a two-day visit to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where he participated in the Delphi Forum in Sulaymaniyah and held meetings with the Region's political and business leadership.

On the first day of his visit, the Deputy Minister participated in a panel discussion at the Delphi Forum titled "The Middle East as a Partner: Beyond Crisis, Toward Shared Interests." During the discussion, Mr. Theoharis highlighted Greece's role as a pillar of stability and a reliable partner in the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Mr. Theoharis met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Qubad Talabani. Their discussions focused on prospects for further strengthening relations with Greece, as well as on current developments in the wider region.

On the second day of his visit, following his arrival in Erbil, the Deputy Minister was received by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani. Their talks focused on prospects for deepening cooperation between Greece and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in the fields of the economy, investment, energy, infrastructure and trade. They also held an extensive and constructive exchange of views on regional developments and the security challenges facing the wider region.

In addition, the Deputy Minister met with the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Safeen Dizayee. They exchanged views on regional and international developments, as well as on ways to further strengthen institutional cooperation.

Economic diplomacy constituted the common thread running through all of Mr. Theoharis' engagements in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In this context, he also held meetings with the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Sarwar Hawari; the Chairman of the Kurdistan Board of Investment, Dr Mohammed Shukri; the President and leadership of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce and Industry; as well as business representatives.

The discussions, which took place in a particularly cordial atmosphere, focused on the investment opportunities offered by the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and on prospects for cooperation with Greek companies in sectors such as construction, building materials, energy, agribusiness and services.

The Deputy Minister underscored Greece's growing interest in further developing economic and trade relations with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and reiterated the Greek side's commitment to strengthening channels of political and business dialogue for the mutual benefit of both sides.

June 10, 2026