Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Mr. Avedis Guidanian, and his accompanied delegation, including Chief Executive Officer of Malia Group, President of Rotana Company and members of business community.

They visited Erbil to attend the opening ceremony of second Rotana Hotel in Erbil.

In the meeting, Mr. Guidanian commended the measures taken by the Kurdistan Regional Government to effectively overcome the financial difficulties that the Kurdistan Region faces. He recalled the similar situation which Lebanon went through in the past.

He said his country encourages its private sector to invest in Kurdistan Region which is stable and offers support for foreign investment.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his government’s appreciation to the government of Lebanon and its private sector for their noticeable role in the development of Kurdistan Region’s economy since the liberation of Iraq in 2003. 

Prime Minister Barzani stated that opening a second Rotana Hotel in Erbil at the current difficult time is an indication of foreign investors’ confidence in KRG’s policies and the stability which prevails in the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the political situation, Prime Minister Barzani pointed out that as the war against the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS, is at its final phase, a comprehensive plan for the settlement of post-ISIS issues is needed.

He also shed light on the current extensive discussions on holding a referendum for self-determination of the people of Kurdistan. He reaffirmed that as Erbil sees Baghdad as its partner, serious dialogue should be engaged between the two sides.