Greece–Kurdistan Region relations
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Greece–Kurdistan Region relations are bilateral relations between Greece and Kurdistan Region.[1] Greece has an economic and commercial office in Erbil, while Kurdistan Region has no representation in Greece.[2] In February 2017, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias described Kurdistan as having a geostrategic role in the region and constituting an important element in Greek geostrategic policy, and these were the reasons Greece opened a consulate general in Erbil in May 2016.[3][4][5]
Kurdish Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir visited Athens in November 2015 and met with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas and Secretary General for International Economic Relations Giorgos Tsipras.[6] In the fight against ISIS, the Greek government decided to aid Kurdish soldiers (Peshmerga) by donating Kalashnikov rifles and ammunition[7] and also sending humanitarian aid.[8] In addition, Greece served as a staging point for Belgian F-16s participating in airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq during the American-led intervention in Iraq.[9]
In an interview with Kurdistan 24, Greek Minister for Migration Ioannis Mouzalas stated that Greeks and the Kurds of Greece have exceptional ties.[10] The Greek community in Kurdistan Region is estimated to be about 30–50.[11] A 2004 report guessed the total number of Iraqis in Greece as being between 5,000 and 40,000.[12]
Many Greek companies are present in Kurdistan Region, including construction companies, food companies and energy companies. Greek investments in the region amount to about 2 billion euros.[13]