The organization of delegation trips to Kurdistan, or from Kurdistan to Austria is one of the main responsibilities of the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in Austria.
A look back at the past five years shows a variety of different delegation trips to Kurdistan, through which Austrian political, economic and religious representatives were able to get to know the region on the spot. The Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz visited the region twice, while a high level delegation of Austrian members of parliament visited Kurdistan in 2015. Cardinal Schönborn visited the Kurdistan Region in 2016 as well and particularly met with the local Christian communities.
On the other hand, we were honored to receive delegations from the Kurdistan Region in Austria as well, particularly President Masoud Barzani, who met with Austrian President Dr. Heinz Fischer on multiple occasions. Moreover, ministers from the Kurdistan Regional Government, such as the head of the Department for Foreign Relations Falah Mustafa who was welcomed in Austria by Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz.
A selection:
January 2014: President Barzani meets with Austrian President Fischer in Vienna
January 2015: EU delegation travels to Kurdistan to gain an insight into the refugee situation
February 2015: Foreign Minister Kurz visits Kurdistan Region
February 2015: President Barzani meets Austrian President Fischer in Vienna
June 2015: Minister Falah Mustafa concludes official visit to Austria
November 2015: Kurdistan Region welcomes High-Level Austrian Parliamentarians
March 2016: Austrian Cardinal Schönborn visits Kurdistan Region
July 2016: Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz visits Kurdistan Region
February 2017: DFR and Pro Oriente Foundation highlight the current situation of IDPs
April 2017: Head of DFR and Austrian Ambassador discuss Bilateral Ties
May 2017: Former Austrian Minister of Defense visits Kurdistan