Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 8, 2024
President Nechirvan Barzani visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil today, to pay his respects to the victims of a recent ISIS terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran.
During a meeting with the Iranian Consul General, the President conveyed the condolences of the Kurdistan Region to the leadership, Government, and people of Iran. He also wrote a tribute to the victims in the condolence book at the Consulate General.
In his message, the President emphasized that both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have experienced the devastating impact of terrorism firsthand, and therefore, deeply empathize with the families of the victims. He expressed his sincere wishes for a swift recovery for those who were injured in the attack.
Recognizing the gravity of the threat posed by terrorism, the President stressed the importance of continued collaboration in the region and the world to completely eradicate ISIS, which he described as a common enemy shared by the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, and the world.
Furthermore, in his note in the condolence book, the President expressed gratitude to Iran for its support in the fight against ISIS, acknowledging the assistance provided to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed his appreciation for President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit and participation in their time of grief and mourning.
President Nechirvan Barzani addressed the media following his visit, shedding light on the purpose of his visit and the security situation in the region. The President said:
“Today, we visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack in Kerman, which claimed the lives of numerous innocent individuals. It is with great sorrow that we convey the condolences of the Kurdistan Region to Iran as a whole, and specifically to the people of Kerman. The persistent threat posed by the terrorist organization ISIS in our region remains a grave concern. We firmly believe that it is imperative for us to maintain our collaborative efforts and stand united in our mission to eradicate these terrorists. It is important to acknowledge that in recent years, during the emergence of ISIS, the Islamic Republic of Iran extended invaluable assistance to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We reiterate our gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”
In response to a question about the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran, President Nechirvan Barzani said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is of great importance, as our neighboring country. We hope that our relations will continue to improve. It is worth acknowledging that the Islamic Republic of Iran has provided assistance whenever we required it. We have consistently emphasized in the past, and we reiterate our stance now, that the Kurdistan Region poses no threat to its neighboring countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-participates-in-a-funeral-held-by-the-iranian-consulate/