April 24, 2025 — Erbil, Kurdistan Region
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance diplomatic, cultural, and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Dr. Emad Ballack, CEO of MENA Trade House and Economic Advisor to the Embassy of Ukraine in Iraq, played a significant role in coordinating and supporting the recent high-level visit of a Ukrainian parliamentary delegation to Erbil.
Today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, Mr. Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, officially welcomed the Ukrainian delegation at the Governorate’s office. The visiting delegation included Ms. Tamila Tasheva, Representative of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for Crimean Muslim Affairs, Mr. Andriy Bohdanets, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament and Head of the Committee on Relations with Iraq and the Middle East, and Ms. Lesia Zaburanna, Member of Parliament and Member of Ukraine’s Foreign Relations Committee.
This important visit coincided with the celebration of Kurdistan’s National Flag Day, where the delegation expressed their appreciation for the invitation and shared their admiration for the Kurdistan Region’s stability, coexistence, and cultural harmony.
During the meeting, Governor Khoshnaw highlighted Erbil’s longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and religious harmony among all ethnic and religious groups. He reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to remaining a beacon of coexistence and dialogue, providing a model for the wider Middle East.
Both sides also stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations. The Governor of Erbil confirmed that the city remains open and welcoming to international companies, entrepreneurs, and investors. He emphasized that the Governorate stands ready to provide all necessary support and facilitation within the legal framework to encourage business operations in Erbil.
The Ukrainian delegation, supported by the efforts of Dr. Emad Ballack, expressed their interest in expanding relations through joint projects and emphasized the proposal of establishing a formal sister-city relationship between Erbil and Kyiv. Governor Khoshnaw welcomed this proposal with great enthusiasm and assured full cooperation from the Erbil Governorate to support the process of formalization and implementation of this partnership.
Dr. Emad Ballack, who played a vital role in coordinating this diplomatic engagement, continues to act as a bridge-builder between Ukraine and the Kurdistan Region, facilitating not only economic partnerships but also fostering cultural and political dialogue. His active leadership and commitment remain key to advancing these initiatives toward tangible outcomes.
The Ukrainian delegation concluded their visit by expressing their gratitude for the warm reception and shared their admiration for Erbil’s unique model of peaceful coexistence among all communities and faiths — a source of pride for the region and a symbol of hope for broader international cooperation.
This visit, supported by the strategic efforts of Dr. Emad Ballack and MENA Trade House, marks another step forward in promoting meaningful partnerships and mutual understanding between Ukraine and the Kurdistan Region.
