According to Kurdistan 24 TV, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, who traveled to Doha on Tuesday, met with the Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, on Wednesday, February 16.

During the meeting, the developments in Iraq and in particular the efforts to form a new government, the expansion of regional relations between Iraq and Qatar, especially in the field of trade and economy, were discussed.

The two sides stressed on the importance of continuing ties between the two countries and bilateral coordination.

The KRG said in a statement that the talks between the two leaders touched on the latest developments in Iraq "especially efforts to form a new government."

The discussions also took up ways of strengthening relations in the fields of economy, trade and investment, as well as "the importance of continuing coordination on issues of common interest."

Barzani arrived in Doha on Tuesday at the official invitation of the Emir of Qatar at the head of a high-level delegation.

Earlier on Wednesday, the KRG said Barzani met with the Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and Minister of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani.

He discussed "developing relations in commerce and various industries with the Qatari Minister of Commerce and Industry, with an emphasis on increasing trade and investment," the statement said.

In his meeting with Al-Kaabi, the two discussed "the strengthening of ties between Erbil and Doha, particularly increasing cooperation in relation to energy and natural gas."

Iraq is seeking to import natural gas from Qatar in an effort to reduce the shortage of fuel for the country's electric power production plants, and to compensate for the decline in supplies coming from Iran.

Reporter's code: 50101