VIENNA,— Iraqi Kurdistan region President Nechirvan Barzani initiated a series of high-level discussions in Vienna on Tuesday, beginning with a meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan region presidency, both parties emphasized strengthening Austria’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in economic and commercial sectors. They also discussed the political landscape in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Schallenberg reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to Iraq and the Kurdistan region, while Barzani underscored the enduring relationship between Erbil and Vienna.
During their discussion, the topics included enhancing diplomatic relations to the consular level, addressing Erbil-Baghdad issues, and migration concerns.
Nechirvan also had a meeting with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, where they explored ways to bolster Vienna’s ties with both Erbil and Baghdad.
“I was pleased to meet with Austrian President Van der Bellen today in Vienna. We emphasized the historical connections between the Kurdistan region and Austria and explored ways to strengthen our partnership. I expressed my appreciation for Austria’s continued support to Iraq and the Kurdistan region,” Nechirvan shared on X.
Iraq’s Ambassador to Vienna, Bakir Fatah, expressed optimism about Barzani’s visit, indicating it could expedite the establishment of an Austrian consulate in Erbil. Austria, which closed its embassy in Baghdad in 1991 due to security concerns, reopened it in September 2022. While it lacks a consulate in Erbil, it has maintained a commercial office there since 2006.
However, some observers question the underlying motives of Barzani’s visit, suggesting that his international trips often remain shrouded in secrecy and may serve personal or private investment interests.
Unofficial sources claim that Massoud Barzani, Nechirvan’s uncle, tribal leader, and former president of the Iraqi Kurdistan region, has substantial investments in Austria and frequently visits Vienna in the past years.
Nechirvan Barzani arrived in the Austrian capital on Monday for his official visit.
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