PUK President: Kurdistan Region is Very Mineral Rich

Kurdistan 02:20 PM - 2023-07-14

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), said in an interview with LBC that the Kurdistan Region is very mineral rich, which has been untapped, oil-rich, and very very gas-rich, as well as human resource that is also untapped. 

Answering a question about why Iraqis are the third largest illegal immigrants crossing the sea to Britain, President Bafel said: "I think the financial stability in Iraq will empower people to less wish to move to the United Kingdom."

He emphasized that more security and job opportunities will encourage people to want to migrate less.

President Bafel also said: "I think the new government in Iraq has very interesting ideas. I can see Mr. Sudani with genuine plans to build Iraq and build its institutions." 

On how the UK can help to reduce illegal migration from Iraq, President Bafel said: "I think it’s a good opportunity for the United Kingdom; if you look at it now after Brexit, this is a huge, massive opportunity for the UK to make investments in huge infrastructure projects, etc. And I would encourage the UK to closen those ties with Iraq and Kurdistan, and hopefully there, it can be a multi-beneficial project." 

Regarding Kurdistan, President Bafel said: "We are very mineral rich, which has been untapped; we are oil-rich and very, very gas-rich, but as well as that, there is a wealth of people. I think more than 60% or 70% of the population are under 40; they’re all very educated; they speak multiple languages; there is a lot of human resource that is also untapped."

He emphasized that the UK can help at the source to stop Iraqis from illegal migration, saying: "We already provide the most information more than any other country regarding illegal immigration... The way forwards really is to stop it, cut it off at the source, and what would stop people traveling? if they were safer, if they had more financial security as well as physical security.

 

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