site.btaHead of State Radev Meets with Kurdistan Region President Barzani, Says Iraq Could Play Bigger Role in Energy Supplies

Iraq could play a much greater role in the delivery of energy resources and in the energy diversification of Europe, including through green energy transmission projects, Bulgarian head of State Rumen Radev said at a meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Munich on Saturday. The two sides held talks on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, during which they reaffirmed their common aspiration to deepen economic cooperation and mutual trade, the Bulgarian President's press secretariat reported.

Radev expressed hope for the resumption of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline as soon as possible, which opens the prospect of direct supplies of crude oil from Iraq to Europe. 

The head of State expressed his appreciation for the contribution of Kurdistan Region to the consolidation of stability and development in Iraq and in the Middle East region.

The strengthening of state institutions is key in this process, the Bulgarian President further stressed, and expressed hope for the formation of a regional government in Kurdistan Region soon, which will further boost the development of relations with Bulgaria.  The meeting also highlighted the significant role of Kurdistan Region in countering terrorism in the Middle East.