The Consul General of Türkiye in Erbil, Erman Topçu, Chose Radisson Hotel & Residences Erbil as the Meeting Point During Turkish Cuisine Week.
Türkiye’s Consul General in Erbil, Erman Topçu, announced during Turkish Cuisine Week that flights disrupted due to regional tensions have returned to normal and that Turkish airlines will increase their services from Erbil.
The Turkish Consulate General in Erbil organized a “Turkish Cuisine Week” event at the Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Ottomare.
Topçu also drew attention to the decline in trade volume at the Ibrahim Khalil Border Gate, emphasizing that Erbil and Baghdad urgently need to reach an agreement on the customs system.
Speaking about the impact of tensions with Iran on airspace operations and the latest situation regarding flights from the Kurdistan Region to Türkiye, Consul General Topçu stated that the developments at the time had caused devastating consequences.
Recalling that airlines had been forced to suspend operations due to the closure of airspace, Topçu said that civil aviation has now returned to normal:
“Thankfully, Turkish Airlines (THY), Pegasus Airlines, and AJet have resumed flights from Erbil to Istanbul. THY and Pegasus are operating daily flights. Starting June 2, THY will also launch a second daily flight. Although some drone attacks remain somewhat concerning for all airlines, flights are currently continuing safely on a daily basis.”
Traffic Declines at the World’s Second-Busiest Border Crossing
Responding to questions about border trade and the active use of border crossings, Topçu stressed that resolving customs disputes between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi Federal Government is a prerequisite for improving trade relations. He stated that an agreement must be reached regarding the ASYCUDA automation system and customs regulations, while also highlighting the strategic importance of the Ibrahim Khalil (Habur) Border Gate.
Pointing out that the Ibrahim Khalil Border Gate is the world’s second-busiest land crossing after the U.S.-Mexico border, Topçu said:
İbrahim Halil Sınır Kapısı’nın ABD-Meksika sınırından sonra dünyadaki en yoğun ikinci kara geçiş noktası olduğunu belirten Topçu, “Gümrük tartışmaları nedeniyle şu an tır trafiği epeyce azalmış durumda. Rakamlar çok düşük” dedi.
Emphasizing the importance of an agreement between Erbil and Baghdad, Topçu added: “We are delivering the same message to both Baghdad and Erbil and encouraging them on this matter. We know that the negotiations have reached a positive stage.”
“You Cannot Stop the Flow of Money and Trade”
Consul General Erman Topçu also noted that regional economic dynamics are changing. With Syria re-entering the regional equation, he emphasized that the issue is no longer limited to political and security dimensions but also affects economic corridors. Highlighting the flexibility of trade routes, Topçu concluded:
“When companies encounter obstacles and embargoes, they look for alternative routes. You cannot stop the flow of money. Considering the recent developments in Iran, it is critically important for Erbil and Baghdad to reach an agreement that allows trade to continue and ensures that this corridor functions without interruption.”
Source: https://www.rudaw.net/turkish/middleeast/turkey/2005202620
