ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani arrived in Doha on Monday upon an official invitation from the Qatari premier, stressing the need to develop bilateral ties across different sectors in his meetings with top officials.

Barzani was received by Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, discussing bilateral relations and the latest developments in Iraq and the region.

"We are aligned on building on the strong friendship between our peoples and expand our ties across sectors," wrote the Kurdish premier on X.

During the visit, Barzani also met with the Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, and its CEO Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi.

"We stressed the importance of developing bilateral relations in the fields of investment, energy, economic infrastructure, and banking system reform," read a statement from Barzani's office.

During Barzani’s tenure, Qatar and the Kurdistan Region have boosted their relations, with improved diplomatic and economic ties between Doha and Erbil.

The Kurdish premier presided over the opening ceremony of the General Consulate of the State of Qatar in Erbil in May 2024.

“The opening of the Qatari General Consulate will significantly bolster our relations, particularly in trade, agriculture, culture, and higher education… Qatar has valuable experience in investment, construction, energy, and industry. The Kurdistan Region can utilize the Qatari experience,” said Barzani during the ceremony.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq, represented by the Office of Initiatives and Communications (OIC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Foundation in July, aimed at developing youth skills in the region and implementing mutually beneficial joint projects.

The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in developing the skills of Kurdish youth, supporting university students, and implementing joint projects that benefit both the Kurdistan Region and Qatar.