Qatar invites President Barzani to Doha Forum in a move to deepen ties with the Kurdistan Region. The Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, extended the invitation through Doha’s Consul General in Erbil, Hussein Ali Saleh al-Fazala, during a meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.
The high-level invitation highlights Qatar’s growing interest in the Kurdistan Region’s political and economic landscape. President Barzani welcomed the invitation and expressed readiness to attend the Doha Forum, scheduled for December 6 and 7.
During their meeting, both sides discussed enhancing bilateral relations and expanding joint cooperation. Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region is eager to build stronger ties with Qatar, particularly in trade and investment.
Fazala echoed these sentiments, noting Doha’s intention to strengthen diplomatic and economic connections with Erbil. The conversation focused on potential Qatari investment opportunities across Iraq and especially within the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting also marks continued growth in Qatar’s diplomatic presence in Iraq. Last year, Qatar officially opened its consulate in Erbil, expanding its outreach in the northern region. Qatar had already reopened its Baghdad embassy in 2015, after suspending it during the Gulf War in the 1990s.
In February, President Barzani also met with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi at the Munich Security Conference. That meeting touched on regional security, Kurdish affairs in Syria, and cooperation in broader Middle East dynamics.
Qatar’s invitation to the Doha Forum signals more than just diplomacy. The forum, known for hosting global leaders and thinkers, provides a platform for Barzani to represent the Kurdistan Region’s interests on a world stage. It also opens doors to new partnerships in business, energy, and development.
The Qatar invites President Barzani to Doha Forum gesture reflects Qatar’s strategic approach to strengthening regional influence through soft power and economic collaboration. For the Kurdistan Region, it’s a chance to attract foreign investment and build meaningful alliances.
In summary, the Qatar invites President Barzani to Doha Forum moment has three key outcomes. First, it deepens diplomatic ties. Second, it creates space for Qatari investment. Third, it raises the Kurdistan Region’s international profile.