ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Chinese Consul General Ni Ruchi met on Sunday to discuss ways to further develop ties in different areas of potential cooperation.

The Chinese top diplomat in Erbil reasserted that his country is willing to encourage more investments in Kurdistan Region.

He highlighted the cultural and academic ties between the two nations, saying that while a Chinese Department is being opened at the college of languages of Salahaddin University in Erbil, the department of Kurdish language will be established for the first time in Beijing.

Discussing Iraqi PM Adil Abdul Mahdi’s recent visit to China where he signed several economic agreements, Consul General Ruchi noted that Kurdistan Region will also benefit from the new agreements.

PM Barzani thanked China for its continued support and welcomed closer relations in different fields.