Barazani and Lavrov discuss bilateral relations

President of Kurdistan Region, Massoud Barazani, discussed with Russia's Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, the relations between Kurdistan Region and Russia. A statement issued on Thursday, Feb. 21, by the Presidency of Kurdistan Region said that Barazani met in Moscow with Lavrov stressing the importance to consolidate friendly relations between the Russian and Kurdish people. It added that the two discussed, during their meeting, a number of important issues, especially the relations between Iraq and Russia, including the relations between Kurdistan Region and Russia, stressing the necessity to develop and consolidate them. The statement pointed out that Barazani extended his thanks and gratitude to the Russian people for hosting Mulla Mustafa Barazani for twelve years; affirming President Putin's words on the necessity to consolidate friendly relations between Russia and Iraq, including Kurdistan Region. The two also discussed the role of Russian firms in the field of energy and providing electricity in Iraq, in addition to the situation in Syria and its effect of Kurdistan, as well as on Iraq. Barazani pointed out that there are about 75 thousand Syrian refugees in Kurdistan Region, stating that in addition to providing help to the refugees, it also provide humanitarian aid to the people inside Syria. Barazani stressed the necessity for the Syrian people to decide their future, as well as dealing with the Kurdish issue in Syria through recognizing the Kurdish people rights.