Armenia to Open Consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan

YEREVAN (Arka)—Armenia is planning to open a consulate general in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan, Armenian foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said at his meeting with Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the foreign ministry’s press office reported.

Nalbandian is currently in Iraq on an official visit, according to the report.

The foreign minister also said Yerevan intends to simplify visa regime procedures for Iraq’s citizens to promote business ties between the countries.

Nalbandian noted that trade between the countries has increased several times in the last four years and is worth 80 million dollars now.

Nouri al-Maliki, in turn, said Iraq is interested in deeper cooperation with Armenia in all fields.

The sides discussed cooperation in law, trade, economy, education, medicine, agriculture, and other fields. The minister and the premier talked about opening direct air flights between Armenia and Iraq.

Nalbandian and Nouri al-Maliki stressed the importance of efforts of the intergovernmental commission.

During his visit, the Armenian Foreign Minister also met with Iraq’s Vice-President Hudayr al-Huzai and Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.