At a Glance

• The PUK President received the departing Russian Ambassador to mark the end of his mission in Iraq.
• Discussions centered on reinforcing historic bilateral ties and ensuring the continuation of close strategic coordination.
• Talabani praised Kutrashev as a close friend, calling his tenure “a powerful factor” in deepening relations.

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani met with departing Russian Ambassador to Iraq Elbrus Kutrashev in Slemani, stressing their historic bilateral ties and the vital continuation of closer coordination.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Bafel Jalal Talabani’s Press Office said that, “Elbrus Kutrashev bade farewell to President Bafel on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission in Iraq.”
• Talabani told Kutrashev that, “We will forever remember your role and service.”

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Talabani received the Russian Ambassador in Dabashan, and expressed "his gratitude for the continuous support and backing provided by Elbrus Kutrashev as a close friend of both the Kurdish people and the PUK."

He stressed that Kutrashev’s tenure served as “a powerful factor in strengthening the historical relations between the Kurdish people and Russia.”

Both sides also “emphasized the continuation of closer coordination and cooperation within the framework of protecting mutual supreme interests.”

FYI

Elbrus Kutrashev is concluding his five-year tenure as the Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq. In late August 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially appointed Timur Pechatkin to succeed him in Baghdad. 

Before exiting the country, Kutrashev conducted a multi-day farewell tour across the Kurdistan Region, holding separate talks with leaders and senior officials. 

Throughout these final meetings, Kurdish leaders praised his diplomatic service and expressed deep gratitude for his role in strengthening historic bilateral ties with Russia. 

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