On 17/01/2011 H.E. Dr. Ali Sindi, KRG Minister of Planning, received Mr. Chris Bowers, the Consul General of the United Kingdom in the Kurdistan Region.

Mr. Bowers stated that the previously British Embassy Office is now officially been upgraded to General Consulate; adding that the new General Consulate is now processing visa applications of the postgraduate students going to study in the UK. Mr. Bowers stated that they are happy with the fact that most of the postgraduate candidates are going to the UK, which will contribute to strengthening the existing ties between Kurdistan and the UK.  

The Minister presented a brief about the MoP and highlighted the scholarship program managed by the MoP. The Minister added that over 200 students are now been accepted and some may go to the UK. H.E. added that upon their return this great number of students will be able to contribute to the development process of the Kurdistan Region.

Finally, both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation and coordination between the MoP and the British General Consulate.