KRG High Representative Meets with Scottish Shadow Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero

News : 2/5/2025

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) High Representative to the UK, Karwan Jamal Tahir, met with Lord Offord, Scottish Conservative Shadow Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, at the Scottish Parliament to discuss energy cooperation and economic opportunities between Scotland and the Kurdistan Region.

During the meeting, Representative Tahir provided an overview of the political and economic situation in the Kurdistan Region, as well as broader regional developments and their impact on security and stability. The discussion placed particular emphasis on the oil and gas sector in the Kurdistan Region, highlighting its role as a key revenue source for economic growth and its contribution to the wider Iraqi economy. The challenges facing the sector, including regulatory obstacles and efforts to resolve them, were also addressed. Representative Tahir called for greater participation of Scottish oil and gas companies in the Kurdistan Region, emphasising the mutual benefits of collaboration in energy and infrastructure projects.

Beyond energy, the KRG representative highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s growing economic diversification efforts, including agriculture, industry, and tourism, as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on oil revenues and create new economic opportunities.
Lord Offord welcomed the discussions, reaffirming the Scottish Conservative Party’s commitment to energy sector development while adhering to environmental regulations affecting the UK’s offshore energy industry. He acknowledged the continued global importance of oil and gas, emphasising the need for cooperation between Scotland and the Kurdistan Region to share expertise and explore investment opportunities. He also expressed Scotland’s readiness to enhance coordination and support collaboration in energy-related sectors.

Both sides agreed on the importance of future engagement to strengthen bilateral ties in energy, trade, and investment, ensuring mutual economic benefits for Scotland and the Kurdistan Region.

 

Scottish parliament

10th February 2025