By Dr. Saman Shali

The relationship between Qatar and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been relatively positive. It has grown stronger in recent years due to the visits of the president and PM of the Kurdistan Region and the high-level delegations from Qatar. Here is a brief history of their relationship:

• In 1992, the Kurdistan region declared autonomy from the Iraqi government, which led to the establishment of the Parliament and the KRG. Qatar was among the first countries to send humanitarian aid.
• In 2015, Qatar opened an embassy in Baghdad and decided to open a consulate in Erbil. In 2022, the Iraqi government approved opening the Qatar consulate in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region. Qatar opened its consulate in Kurdistan Region in 2023. This move signaled Qatar's growing interest and support for the KRG.
• Following the referendum, when tensions between the KRG and the Iraqi government escalated, Qatar provided diplomatic support to the KRG and urged all parties to dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.

•           Qatar has also recently been involved in several investment projects in the Kurdistan region, particularly in the energy sector. For example, Qatar Petroleum signed an agreement with the KRG in 2019 to acquire stakes in two oil and gas blocks in the Kurdistan region.

Generally, the relationship between Qatar and the KRG has been positive, with Qatar supporting federal KRGs and aspirations. Qatar's involvement in investment projects in the Kurdistan region also indicates that the two entities are willing to collaborate further and strengthen their relationship.

Qatar, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of natural gas, has the expertise and experience to help the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) develop its gas sector. Here are a few ways Qatar can help:

1. Technology transfer: Qatar can provide KRG with advanced technology and equipment to enhance the efficiency of its gas sector. The technology can include gas exploration, production, and transportation equipment.

2. Investment: Qatar can invest in KRG's gas sector by funding new projects or acquiring stakes in existing ones. Qatar's investment will help KRG to raise capital and improve its infrastructure.

3. Technical assistance: Qatar can provide technical assistance to KRG's gas sector by sharing its gas production, processing, and distribution expertise. Technical support can help KRG to overcome technical challenges and improve the overall efficiency of its operations.

4. Market access: Qatar can help KRG access international markets by leveraging its networks and relationships with gas buyers worldwide. Marketing assistance will help KRG to increase its revenue and expand its customer base.

5. Gas pipeline: Qatar can extend the gas pipeline through Iraq, including the Kurdistan region, and the Kurdistan region can also send gas through this pipeline. The gas pipeline will increase the fiscal revenues of the Qatar, Iraq, and Kurdistan regions. The Qatar pipeline is confirmed in Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Emir of Qatar's last visit to Iraq and meeting with Mr. Nachervan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region in Baghdad.

Overall, Qatar can play a critical role in helping KRG to develop its gas sector by providing technical expertise, investment, and market access. This KRG can benefit from all these supports to strengthen the relationship between Qatar and the Kurdistan region.

Saman Shali has a Ph.D. in Science (1981) from the University of Sussex. Dr. Shali worked as an Assistant Researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of Sussex, King Saud University, and Pennsylvania State University. He is also a senior fellow at the Mediterranean Institute for Regional Studies.