By Miran Hussein
The visit of Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, to Egypt is regarded as a significant, historic, and strategic visit. It represents a major success for the diplomacy of the Kurdistan Region and an opening of relations with Egypt, a pivotal Arab nation, particularly following the Kurdistan Region’s recent successes in establishing diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf states.
Egypt holds a very prominent position within the Arab world, being the largest Arab country in terms of population and hosting the headquarters of the Arab League. It played a leading role in all historical events of the Arab world in the twentieth century and led the Arab world for a long and extended period; thus, this country carries immense weight. On the other hand, Egypt is a vitally important regional power in the Middle East, Africa, and the world due to its strategic location overseeing the Suez Canal and trade routes between all continents. It plays a major role in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. It influences the Arab, African, Mediterranean, and Red Sea zones. Militarily, it is considered to have one of the strongest armies in the world. This has granted Egypt a global standing and a vast network of very strong relations with all countries of the world without exception. Therefore, opening the door to relations with this country is a strategic gateway for the Kurdistan Region and the Kurds.
The history of relations between the Kurds and Egyptians is very ancient, dating back to the era of Ancient Egyptian civilization and the Medes. [Notable historical ties include] the role of Saladin Ayyubi’s rule in the fall of the Fatimid state in Egypt, and the rule of Muhammad Ali Pasha and his descendants in Egypt—whom some sources mention as being of Kurdish origin—as well as Muhammad Ali Pasha’s relations with Kurdish emirates. The first Kurdish newspaper was published in Egypt, and there is a significant Kurdish community there, which some sources estimate at one million Kurds. Consequently, the Kurdish political leadership, since the beginning of the September Revolution, has attached special importance to building very strong relations with Egypt. At the party level, they opened representations in Egypt. In return, the Egyptian government was at the forefront of Arab countries in opening its consulate in the Kurdistan Region. This demonstrates the reality that both sides view the establishment of relations between them with importance.
The Kurdistan Region and Egypt can develop their relations in numerous strategic fields and subjects, and both sides can benefit from one another. This is particularly true for the Kurdistan Region, which can leverage Egypt’s standing on the Arab, African, Islamic, and global levels. Furthermore, the Kurdistan Region can benefit from Egypt’s capabilities and experience in these fields through trade exchange or by encouraging the transfer of Egyptian technology in the sectors of industry, agriculture, and tourism to the Kurdistan Region, as well as opening the doors of the Kurdistan Region to Egyptian investment.
Therefore, establishing a network of relations between Egypt and the Kurdistan Region is considered a major diplomatic success for the Kurdistan Regional Government. It is an important step, especially in the current situation where the Middle East and the world are facing radical, significant, and rapid changes. Establishing the Kurdistan Regional Government’s external relations network with major powers and regional states, which strengthens the position and weight of the Kurdistan Region on all levels, is of great importance.