On 10 April 2012, Foreign Minister János Martonyi consulted with Massoud Barzani, the President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, who visited Hungary within the framework of his tour involving Bulgaria and the United States.

János Martonyi referred to the event as a historic visit, as this was the first time that the political leader of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region has come to Hungary. We find it extremely important to revive the Hungarian-Iraqi bilateral relations boasting great traditions, which includes the improvement of the cooperation with the hydrocarbon-rich, stable, and dynamically developing Kurdistan Region. From the point of view of Hungary, the significance of the region is increased by the fact that the Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company (MOL) has conducted successful exploration and production activities for years in Kurdistan. Other areas of economy, such as water conservancy, agriculture, and infrastructure development provide further opportunities to work together.

The Kurdistan Region can play an important role in Hungary’s and Europe’s oil and gas supply. János Martonyi noted that we intend to re-establish our diplomatic presence in Baghdad and plan to have honorary consular representation in the Region. He said we are glad that by establishing a Kurdish regional government on the basis of the federal constitution, the Kurdish people ensured the conditions for their peaceful development and for the exercise of their rights in Iraq. Hungary finds it equally important to reach a balanced cooperation with the central government in Baghdad and with the Kurdistan Regional Government.

President Barzani noted that they are ready to improve their relations with Hungary as extensively as possible. They welcome our efforts to strengthen our relations with Iraq and Kurdistan, as well as the Hungarian companies’ participation in the development projects of the region.

(kormany.hu)