A broad meeting was held under the supervision of the Governor of Erbil and the Governor of West Azerbaijan (Urmia)
On Thursday evening, May 1, 2025, under the supervision of Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, and Reza Rahmani, Governor of West Azerbaijan (Urmia), and with delegations from both sides present, a meeting was conducted with the aim of strengthening relations, further boosting trade and economic activity between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kurdistan Region, establishing necessary procedures, mechanisms, facilitation, and cooperation between them, and making appropriate decisions and taking measures to address all existing shortcomings, issues, and problems related to the agreement between the two governorates.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing, improving, and strengthening trade and economic activity between the governorates. They expressed satisfaction with the full implementation of the points of their agreement and the resulting progress. Gratitude was also extended to the teams from both sides and everyone who played a major role in signing the agreement and ensuring adherence to and implementation of its points, which has enabled significant advancement in trade, economic, and tourism activity at the Haji Omaran - Tamarchin border crossing.
In this regard, it was decided that the Governors of Erbil and Urmia will hold a meeting in the near future to further advance that agreement. Until then, both sides agreed on formulating the necessary mechanisms and forming a joint technical committee to resolve any shortcomings, issues, or problems that may exist.
In another part of the meeting, regarding this year's preparations for the arrival of Iranian pilgrims via the Haji Omaran - Tamarchin border crossing, their stay in Erbil, the capital of the Region, and their travel to the holy sites in Iraq, the Governor of Erbil emphasized President Barzani's directive that all facilitation and services be provided to the pilgrims.
He noted the continuous support from the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF), adding, 'Whatever we provide to these beloved ones who visit the holy religious sites in Iraq via our land, we consider it our duty.' He also assured them that this year's preparations will be better than in previous years.
In this regard, the Governor of West Azerbaijan, expressing his happiness, said, 'I thank each and every one of those who have cooperated. I know that you have done whatever was necessary for them.'
Another topic discussed was the opening of the 'Sidekan-Keleshin' border crossing, brought up by the Governor of Erbil.
He affirmed that the Kurdistan Regional Government has completed all necessary preparations. Both sides subsequently agreed to start devising a mechanism and establish a joint technical committee for the opening of this crossing, which, besides benefiting the area's residents, will also offer considerable advantages for trade between the Region and Iran.
At the end of the meeting, the Governor of Erbil presented a gift representing the Erbil Governorate to the Governor of West Azerbaijan, and the Governor of West Azerbaijan, in turn, presented a gift representing the West Azerbaijan Governorate to the Governor of Erbil.
