A KRG delegation headed by Dr. Fuad Hussein, Chief of Staff to President Masoud Barzani and Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of KRG Foreign Relations, participated in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland from 21st to 24th of January.
During the participation in several public and private sessions, the KRG delegation outlined latest security, humanitarian, political, and economic developments in Kurdistan and the rest of Iraq. In addition to briefing participants of the advances of Peshmerga forces against IS, they also illustrated KRG’s view on confronting IS and the role of regional and international players in the fight against IS. The delegation reiterated the commitment of the Kurdistan Region to continue providing humanitarian relief for over 1.5 million refugees and displaced people who have found a safe haven in the Kurdistan Region. During these interactions, the foreign delegations praised the role of Peshmerga forces and KRG and congratulated President Masoud Barzani on leading Peshmerga forces to victories against IS.
During the Forum, the KRG delegation participated in several interactive sessions, including the sessions on the new global context for strategic competitions, tackling violent extremism, and informal consultation on the future of Syria and challenges facing Iraq.
In meeting several business delegations, the KRG delegation emphasized that despite challenges facing KRG, Kurdistan Region is still stable and secure and provides an attractive business environment for foreign investors.
Commenting on the forum, Minister Mustafa said, “2014 was an exceptionally challenging year for the government and people of Kurdistan. The forum provided a timely opportunity to interact with many world leaders and to communicate the message of KRG. At this important stage of our history, we are in need of such international platforms in order to increase awareness about the security and humanitarian needs of the Kurdistan Region and to update the international community of the grave threats posed by extremists on humanity and international peace and security.”
The KRG delegation was accompanied by KRG Representative to Switzerland Mr. Fauzi Kaddur throughout the visit.
This year’s forum was attended by more than 2,500 people from 140 countries. More than 40 heads of state and government, 1,500 business leaders, and 14 Nobel Laureates were among the participants.