A delegation from IBBC’s London, Baghdad and Erbil offices held a series of meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government, regional members and educational centres of excellence.

On Wednesday, the team met with members of the UK, Ireland and Europe Desks at the KRG Department for Foreign Relations. Discussions focused on strengthening economic relationships with the Kurdistan region and identifying opportunities for future collaboration.

The delegation also visited the Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Erbil, where they met with Amir al Bebany, Corporate Planning Executive at Sardar Group, and Madalina Shareef, Deputy General Manager for JLR in the Kurdistan Region. The meeting included a tour of the showroom, servicing garage, presentation room and bespoke vehicle configuration facilities.

The team also met with Mohammed al-Samarrai of IN2 Communications to learn more about the company’s priority client projects and discuss how IBBC could further support its work in Iraq.

The team of Ali Mashkour, James Hunter-Young and Razan Ahmed spent a full day visiting the SABIS International School of Choueifat in Erbil and the Rise International School, operated by Stirling schools – both IBBC members. Both visits showed the impressive culture, language skills and academic achievement being delivered from the investment in facilities, the commitment of the teachers. At the SABIS International School, the team learned about Student leadership and collaboration through their Student Life Organisation (SLO) initiatives. At the Rise International School discussions focused on the international curriculum, the progression of students into international Universities and student wellbeing. Perhaps most inspiring was the attitude, commitment and joy that was clearly visible in the discussions with the students at both schools.

To conclude the visit, the delegation attended the King’s Birthday Party in Erbil, where they were welcomed by H.E. Irfan Siddiq, British Ambassador to Iraq, and Ms. Holly Vare, His Majesty’s new Consul General in Erbil. The event provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections across the business and diplomatic communities and promote IBBC’s forthcoming conference in Baghdad on 29-30 November 2026.’