Turkish FM pays first visit to Arbil after elections

AFP photo

Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu will travel to Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) capital of Arbil late on Nov. 3, sources have told the Hürriyet Daily News. 

In his first visit abroad since Turkey’s snap general election on Nov. 1, Sinirlioğlu will have talks with Iraqi Kurdish leaders on Nov. 4 and will also participate at a conference. 

The visit comes at a time of heightened political tension in the KRG. President Massoud Barzani’s mandate expired on Aug. 20 but rival factions have yet to agree on the terms to extend his tenure.

As the political division between the Barzani-led Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the opposition Goran has deepened, a growing economic crisis has also spilled onto the streets through violent protests.

KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani has reshuffled his coalition cabinet amid an escalation of protests across the region over unpaid salaries.