Kurdistan Region President Barzani reiterates push to expand ties with South Korea

ERBIL, Iraq — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said the region is ready to strengthen ties with South Korea and broaden cooperation across multiple sectors during a meeting with the country's new consul general in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said in a statement. Barzani accepted Yun Gyo Shim to mark the beginning of the new South Korean consul general's tenure in Erbil, offering well-wishes for the assignment. He said relevant regional institutions are fully prepared to support the consul's work. Barzani also reiterated his thanks to South Korea for its assistance, according to the presidency statement, without specifying the aid in question. He underlined the region's desire to deepen relations with Seoul and expand joint cooperation in various fields. South Korean Consul General Shim expressed appreciation for Barzani's role in advancing bilateral relations, the statement said, adding that Shim conveyed his satisfaction at taking up his new post and pledged to work toward further developing the ties.