Shafaq News / The Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani confirmed on Tuesday that the outbreak of Corona virus is not only a health problem, but also has economic repercussions for the region and Iraq as a whole.

This came during his supervision today, on a special meeting to discuss the implications of the outbreak of Corona virus and the economic situation in Kurdistan Region.

A government statement stated that during the meeting attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the Prime Minister thanked the Supreme Committee formed to confront Corona virus and the relevant institutions for their dedicated and professional performance in taking the necessary preventive measures, and also asked citizens to adhere to these measures because they are in the public interest.

Barzani pointed out that the outbreak of the Corona virus is not only a health problem, but unfortunately it has economic repercussions that include Iraq and Kurdistan Region, especially with the sharp decline in oil prices in global markets.

He added "One of the most important tasks of the ninth ministerial formation in Kurdistan Region is to continue to diversify the economy and its sources of income in a way that does not depend on a single source of income." He added, "As you know, the application of this agenda depends primarily on the stability of the situation from political, economic and security sides in Iraq and the region, which will directly reflect on the situation in Kurdistan Region.

The Prime Minister urged all parties involved in the government, political parties and all citizens "to be responsible and to understand the sensitive situation and the crisis facing us in order to overcome it with minimal losses."

Barzani stressed the need to continue to implement the reform law and to apply health instructions and preparations related to the economic situation in Kurdistan Region and to not harm the citizens and their interests.

In another aspect of the meeting, it was decided to take the necessary measures to reduce unnecessary expenditures in all ministries, institutions and government departments according to instructions and within the framework of the reform program. It was also decided to intensify discussions with the federal government to enhance coordination together with a view to overcoming the difficult economic and financial situation facing Kurdistan Region and Iraq.