Deputy PM Highlights Importance of Leveraging Greece's Expertise in Agricultural Development

Kurdistan 06:20 PM - 2025-04-09

Deputy Prime Minister and Greek Minister of Rural Development

On the sidelines of the annual Delphi Economic Forum, Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, met with Konstantinos Tsiaras, Greece’s Minister of Rural Development and Food.

The meeting, also attended by Dara Rashid, Minister of Planning, and Daban Shadala, Deputy Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations, focused on strengthening bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and Greece in agriculture and the food industry. Both sides stressed the importance of collaboration, agreeing that the Kurdistan Region is a key agricultural area that, with the right investment and planning, could meet a significant portion of the needs of both the Iraqi and regional markets.

The Deputy PM outlined the KRG’s efforts to diversify its sources of imports, emphasising the development of the agricultural sector in recent years. He expressed a desire to leverage Greece’s expertise in regional development and rural revitalisation. 

Despite the challenges posed by the volatile region in which the Kurdistan Region is situated, Qubad Talabani highlighted the significant progress made in agricultural investment. He noted that agriculture not only creates numerous job opportunities but also acts as a sustainable source of imports, helping to secure food security for both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Deputy PM, Greek Minister Discuss Growing Tourism Ties

On the sidelines of the annual Delphi Economic Forum, Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, held a meeting with Olga Kefalogianni, Greece's Minister of Tourism.

The meeting, which was also attended by Dara Rashid, Minister of Planning, and Daban Shadala, Deputy Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations, saw both parties expressing their satisfaction with the growing tourism ties between the Kurdistan Region and Greece. These ties have seen significant growth recently, including a rise in tourist numbers following the introduction of direct flights.

Qubad Talabani highlighted that the development of the tourism sector is a top priority for the KRG and emphasised the importance of learning from Greece’s rich and successful experience in this area.

The Deputy PM also urged Greece to provide necessary support for Kurdistan Region students wishing to study tourism at Greek universities. The Greek Minister assured that her country would facilitate the process for Kurdish students.

Towards the end of the meeting, Deputy PM Talabani invited Minister Kefalogianni to visit the Kurdistan Region, an invitation which the Greek Minister accepted enthusiastically, confirming that she would visit the Region soon.



PUKMEDIA