KRG Ministry of Natural Resources

30 June 2009

London, UK (KRG.org) – Dr Ashti Hawrami, the KRG Minister for Natural Resources, and Ms Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, High Representative to the UK, yesterday in parliament called for Britain’s continued support during this momentous year for the Kurdistan Region. 

Ms Sami Abdul Rahman, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) High Representative to the UK, was speaking at a reception held in her honour in the UK parliament by Mr Dave Anderson MP. Ms Ann Clwyd MP also spoke at the gathering. 

Ms Sami Abdul Rahman said, “This is a momentous year for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. In Kurdistan presidential and parliamentary elections will take place next month, as well as a referendum on the Kurdistan constitution, and Iraqi general elections early next year. This is a critical and sensitive time. With the withdrawal of British and US forces, we call on Britain to stay engaged with the political process in Iraq and with the Kurdistan Region.” 

Ms Sami Abdul Rahman said that although British forces have left Iraq, Britain must support the Iraqi Constitution and encourage steps to resolve the disputed territories. 

The evening’s host Mr Anderson said, “The All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, of which I’m Secretary, wants the UK to build on its relations with the Region. There is a huge desire among Kurdish people to see more British engagement.” 

Dr Ashti Hawrami, KRG Minister for Natural Resources, said, “The Iraqi constitution and the sacrifices made by British and American forces created a new opportunity for Iraq to rebuild itself. Starting from zero, the Kurdistan Region has led the way with exploration of new fields and contributing to Iraq’s revenue.” 

Ms Clwyd, the British Prime Minister's Special Envoy to Iraq, said, “During my last visit after a two-year gap, the change in the physical appearance of Kurdistan was amazing.” 

Ms Sami Abdul Rahman informed guests of a Kurdistan Region trade and investment conference that will take place in London in September. She encouraged British and international companies to participate in a rare opportunity to meet KRG ministers and decision-makers abroad. 

The reception was an occasion for the KRG to thank its British and international friends in parliament, government, diplomacy, business, academia, the Kurdish diaspora and non-profit organisations for supporting the people of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. It was also a chance for the UK and international guests to meet members of the Kurdish and Arab-Iraqi community, including doctors, academics, politicians and entrepreneurs.

Also at the reception were some members of a cross-party parliamentary fact-finding delegation who visited the Kurdistan Region in April. The findings of their visit will be published and announced next month.