ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday afternoon on an official visit, where he will meet UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss a range of topics, including regional developments and bilateral ties.

"The two leaders will focus on the relationships between the UAE, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, recent regional developments, and other areas of mutual interest," according to a statement by the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

The Kurdistan Region and the UAE enjoy close ties across many sectors.

Dana Gas, a UAE-based giant, has played a pivotal role in producing the Kurdistan Region’s natural gas since 2007 and currently operates in the Khor Mor and Chemchemal fields.

In addition to investments, the UAE has supported the Kurdistan Region in its fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), mainly through humanitarian assistance to displaced individuals and refugees.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has met with UAE President Al Nahyan twice this year to build “deeper ties” between Erbil and the oil-rich Gulf country.

A top delegation from the Kurdistan Region, headed by Prime Minister Barzani, joined heads of state and government, 140 governmental delegations, and 400 ministers at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February to “enhance relations” between the Kurdistan Region and the international community across various fields, especially in economy, trade, and investment.