BazarKurdistan: the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Monday officially opened a new representative office in Madrid, a move seen as a strategic expansion of its diplomatic footprint in Spain and the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Erbil and Madrid.
The new office is designed to enhance the Kurdistan Region’s international profile and create a permanent channel for engagement in one of Europe’s key capitals.
The inauguration ceremony took place on January 26, 2026, under the direct oversight of Safeen Dizayee, Head of the KRG’s Department of Foreign Relations (DFR). Demonstrating a high level of institutional coordination, the event was also attended by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Iraqi Embassy, underscoring the formal and cooperative framework guiding Erbil’s international activities.
In his keynote remarks, Dizayee outlined the core objectives of the Madrid mission, placing particular emphasis on economic growth and commercial partnership. He noted that the Kurdistan Region—and Iraq as a whole—is “open for investment and trade,” extending an invitation to Spanish companies and investors to engage with what Erbil views as an increasingly important market for long-term economic diversification.
The opening of the office comes amid complex regional developments in the Middle East. Addressing these challenges, Dizayee stressed the need for more stable and cooperative approaches, describing the choice between conflict and diplomacy as a daily responsibility for regional leaders. To build a “bright future,” he emphasized the importance of consistently choosing peace and friendship over violence, a message aimed at reinforcing the KRG’s image as a stable and dependable partner for Europe.
The Madrid visit was also marked by intensive diplomatic engagement. On the margins of the ceremony, Dizayee held a series of meetings with Spanish government officials, resident diplomats, representatives of various political parties, and leading figures from the Spanish business community, during which he highlighted specific incentives for investment in the Kurdistan Region.
According to the report, the establishment of the Madrid representative office represents a significant milestone in strengthening Erbil’s global outreach. The DFR envisions the office as a center for official communication, cultural exchange, and support for the Kurdish community in Spain. By establishing a permanent presence in Madrid, the KRG aims to move beyond ad hoc contacts toward a more structured and enduring partnership with Spain.
The coordination between the KRG and the Iraqi Embassy during the inauguration reflects a shared commitment to Iraq’s international reintegration and economic openness. As the new office begins its work, officials in both Erbil and Madrid view this “new phase” as an opportunity to expand cooperation in areas such as technology, infrastructure, and international trade.
Trade with Spain is strategically important for the Kurdistan Region for several reasons:
- Economic diversification
The Kurdistan Region’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil. Spain has a diversified economy with strong capabilities in areas such as renewable energy, advanced agriculture, food industries, tourism, and services. Trade cooperation with Spain can facilitate the transfer of expertise and investment in these sectors, helping reduce the Region’s reliance on oil. - Indirect access to the European Union market
As a member of the European Union, Spain serves as an important gateway to the broader European market. Expanding trade relations with Madrid can strengthen the Kurdistan Region’s position within European supply chains and encourage confidence among other European companies. - Investment and technology transfer
Spanish companies have extensive international experience in infrastructure, construction, transportation, water and wastewater management, and solar and wind energy. Attracting Spanish investment and technology can support sustainable development and job creation in the Kurdistan Region. - Strengthening international legitimacy and presence
Active economic relations with a major European country enhance the Kurdistan Region’s international standing and present it as a stable and reliable partner for trade and investment. - Political and economic synergy
Spain’s experience in managing regional and ethnic diversity—despite important differences—offers relevant lessons for the Kurdistan Region in terms of political dialogue and decentralized governance. Strong economic ties often lead to more constructive political engagement. - Reducing geo-economic risks
By expanding relations with Spain, the Kurdistan Region can diversify its economic partners and reduce overreliance on a limited number of regional actors—an especially important consideration amid the volatility of the Middle East.
In summary, trade with Spain represents not only an economic opportunity for the Kurdistan Region, but also a means of strengthening its international position, attracting investment, transferring knowledge, and advancing toward sustainable development.
