Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani met with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on Thursday on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum, where they discussed issues related to illegal immigration and the possibility of launching direct flights.

According to the statement issued following the meeting, both sides underlined the importance of enhancing relations between the Kurdistan Region and Greece, particularly in the areas of trade, agriculature, and tourism.

They also emphasized the necessity of increasing the number of flights between the Kurdistan Region and Greece, with efforts underway to establish direct flights between Sulaymaniyah and Athens.

The talks further addressed strategies to tackle the issue of illegal immigration. Qubad Talabani remarked, "The best way to combat illegal immigration is for Greece and the European Union to assist the Kurdistan Region in economic development and creating job opportunities so that young people do not think about illegal immigration, because this type of immigration harms the Kurdistan Region and EU countries."

On the situation in Syria and broader regional developments, both parties stressed that "all parties and the international community must work together to maintain stability, reduce tensions and resolve issues through dialogue and understanding."

The Delphi Economic Forum, an annual gathering of presidents, prime ministers, senior officials, intellectuals, and academics, serves as a platform to discuss the latest political, military, and economic developments, with this year’s meeting focusing on economic trends and challenges in Europe and the Middle East.