Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq - (KRG.org) – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry, Erdal Trhulj, visited the Kurdistan Region for two days to discuss ways in which to build relations between both sides, as well as to attend the Project Iraq 2013 conference in which companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina are represented.
During his visit he met Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani to discuss ways to increase ties in a number of different sectors such as trade, tourism and culture. Minister Trjulj discussed the activities of Bosnian companies working in Kurdistan particularly in the electricity sector where they have managed to complete several projects. He said, ‘Bosnia and Herzegovina possess expertise and experience in the field of electricity and we hope to bring those experiences here to benefit the region.’
Prime Minister Barzani welcomed the increasing number of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina working in Kurdistan, pledging the government’s support for those companies. He said, ‘I hope to see companies here benefit from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s expertise and I would support Bosnia and Herzegovina opening a Consulate in the Kurdistan Region.’
Both sides also spoke about the tragic histories that they have in common and how far they have been able to advance in a short space of time, with Prime Minister Barzani briefing the minister about the path that Kurdistan has taken from 1991 to 2003, as well as the progress and advancements made since the fall of the former regime.
On the second day of his visit, Minister Trhulj met with the Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, Minister Falah Mustafa to discuss a wide range of issues. Commenting on his visit, Minister Trhulj said, ‘We are happy to be here visiting our friends to see the opportunities that are available and we look forward to increasing economic cooperation, as we believe this is the foundation for building a strong relationship.’
Minister Mustafa welcomed Minister Trhulj and the interest shown by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Kurdistan Region. He said, ‘We hope that you have found your visit productive and I am confident this visit will pave the way for building strong relations between Kurdistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina.’
During his two day visit Minister Trhulj also met with the Minister of Electricty, Yasin Mawati, along with a number of other senior officials from both the public and private sector. This is second year running that he has visited the Kurdistan Region.
