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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday received a high-level Iranian delegation to discuss enhancing bilateral ties and cross-border cooperation. The visit comes as Iraq is set to host the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage, which draws millions of Shiite pilgrims - including many Iranians who travel through the Kurdistan Region en route to southern Iraq.
In a statement, the Kurdistan Region Presidency quoted Reza Rahmani, governor of Iran's West Azerbaijan province and head of the delegation, as 'conveying the greetings' of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to President Barzani and 'reiterating his country's intention to strengthen relations with the Kurdistan Region.'
Rahmani hailed 'the relationship and cooperation' between West Azerbaijan and Erbil, 'as well as the [existing] agreements aimed at boosting trade, facilitating border crossings, and supporting the movement of religious pilgrims to southern Iraq through the Kurdistan Region.'
For his part, President Barzani 'extended his warm greetings and respect to President Pezeshkian, emphasizing the great importance the Kurdistan Region places on its historical ties' with Iran. He further underlined Erbil's aim to 'further enhance relations and cooperation in all fields' with Tehran.
A day earlier, on Monday, the Iranians delegation was received by preeminent Kurdish leader and head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Masoud Barzani.
According to a statement from the Barzani headquarters, Rahmani delivered Pezeshkian's 'special regards' to the top Kurdish leader and expressed gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for 'the extensive facilities and services provided to [religious] visitors entering Iraq through the Haji Omaran border crossing' in Erbil province.
On the same day, the Iranian delegation met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to explore ways to 'strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of trade exchange and the facilitation of cross-border travel,' according to a statement from the KRG.
In a separate meeting with Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw, discussions focused on finalizing arrangements for the influx of Iranian pilgrims expected to pass through the Kurdistan Region during Arbaeen, in addition to strengthening economic and commercial ties.
Xoshnaw notably announced major support for Iranian Arbaeen pilgrims, including the full coverage of transportation costs from the Haji Omaran border crossing to other regions of Iraq.
Arbaeen, one of the most important religious observances for Shiite Muslims, marks 40 days after the killing of Imam Hussein ibn Ali - the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad - who was slain in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Each year, millions of Shiite Muslims, including an estimated 4.5 to 5 million from Iran, make the pilgrimage to Karbala, often traveling long distances, including through the Kurdistan Region.
A statement from Erbil Governorate quoted Xoshnaw as stating that the decision to waive transportation fees via the Haji Omaran was made by the Kurdistan Region President and Prime Minister.
'We will cover these expenses,' Xoshnaw said. 'This year we will serve the pilgrims better than in previous years. We consider this to be our duty.'
In response, Rahmani expressed his country's appreciation, commending the Kurdistan Region's hospitality and "the decision to cover the Arbaeen pilgrims' transport costs," calling it "a commendable example that other nations ought to emulate.'
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