Speaker Rewas Faiq receives Russia's Consul General Oleg Levin

Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Dr. Rewas Faiq on 1 December met with Mr. Oleg Levin, Russia’s Consul General in Kurdistan Region. Dr. Faiq and Mr. Levin discussed the current situation in Iraq and the Middle East, the role of Kurdistan in the region, and the plight of Kurdish refugees from Rojava. 

The Speaker said that the plight of Kurds in Rojava (in Syria) is extremely worrying, and that thousands have found shelter in Kurdistan Region recently because of its good security and stability.

The Speaker and Russian Consul also focused on strengthening cultural and commercial ties between Kurdistan Region and Russia. Speaker Faiq said that Kurdistan should not have to rely on oil revenues, as it is rich in other natural resources in terms of land for agriculture and more potential for tourism.

 Kurdistan wants to learn from and develop skills from the most advanced nations in agriculture, tourism and other sectors, she said.

The Russian Consul highlighted the historic relationship between Kurdistan and Russia, and said that Russia will increase its cultural activities in Kurdistan Region next year.