Erbil, Kurdistan Region, January 8, 2024

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude to Mr. Eric Chevallier, the departing French Ambassador to Iraq, for his dedication and tireless efforts towards strengthening the bilateral ties of his country with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. During a farewell meeting held to mark the conclusion of his tenure in Iraq, the President conveyed his best wishes for Mr. Chevalier’s future endeavors and success in his next assignment.

The mutual desire to enhance relations and foster friendship between France and Iraq, as well as the Kurdistan Region, was emphasized by both parties. Additionally, the importance of maintaining strong relations between Erbil and Baghdad, and the ongoing discussions aimed at resolving any outstanding issues between them, were highlighted.

Ambassador Chevallier, in turn, conveyed his appreciation for the support provided by the Kurdistan Region, which greatly contributed to the success of his tenure in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He expressed his optimism for the continuation of this fruitful collaboration with the next French Ambassador to Iraq.

The meeting also revolved around the internal affairs of the Kurdistan Region, the outcomes of the provincial council elections in Iraq and the disputed territories, as well as the recent developments in the Middle East and the wider region.

The French Consul General, Dr. Yann Braem also attended the meeting.

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.”

We condemn the terrorist bombings that targeted the city of Kerman in the Islamic Republic of Iran today, killing and injuring dozens of Iranian citizens.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the leadership, Government, and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with them and share their sorrow. May the souls of the victims rest in peace, and may their families find solace and comfort in this trying period. We hope for a swift recovery for the injured.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region

Both sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of diplomatic envoys and the security of US and coalition forces in Iraq. They agreed that Iraqi authorities should take the necessary actions to bring an end to these attacks.

In regards to the internal situation in the Kurdistan Region, both sides recognized the significance of unity and understanding among political parties, particularly between the PUK and the KDP in the Kurdistan Region and in Iraq. In this regard, President Nechirvan Barzani pointed to a rapprochement and improvement in relations.

The meeting also covered topics including the Iraqi provincial council elections, the latest developments in the region, the ramifications of the war in Gaza, and other topics of mutual interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-us-deputy-secretary-of-state/

In his New Year message, President Nechirvan Barzani stresses the need for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to work together to address the ongoing challenges through dialogue and in a spirit of shared responsibility, mutual acceptance and solidarity. The main goal for the coming year should be to promote stability and peace by turning crises into opportunities, while prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, the President underlines.

The following is his full address:

As we welcome the arrival of the New Year, 2024, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the families of our fallen heroes, to our brave Peshmerga and security forces, and all the people of Kurdistan from every community, as well as to the people of Iraq and the world. May the coming year be filled with joy, peace, and prosperity for all.

We endured a challenging year, marked by obstacles and perils brought about by the political, security, and economic circumstances, as well as the problems and crises in Iraq, Kurdistan Region and the wider region.

Internal political discord and disputes reflected negatively on Kurdistan Region’s standing and ability within Iraq and internationally. Consequently, the Kurdistan Region was unable to attain its constitutional rights. The parliamentary elections in Kurdistan were postponed, and in the provincial council elections in the areas covered by Article 140 of the Constitution, the negative ramifications of the discord were evident.

Despite talks, efforts, and commitments, many of the constitutional rights and entitlements of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq were not fulfilled, contrary to political agreements and the Constitution. The peace and stability of the Kurdistan Region were repeatedly threatened by drone attacks.

The failure to implement political agreements and respect the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region can only be damaging to Iraq. We must all work together, in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, to resolve issues and overcome crises through dialogue and understanding, in a spirit of shared responsibility, mutual acceptance and solidarity.

In the new year, in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region let’s learn from the past and strive for a stable, tranquil and better future together. Let’s transform crises and challenges into opportunities, with the interests of the people and the country as the ultimate goal that unites us. Iraq’s strength and prosperity stem from the presence of its varied communities and only through unity and solidarity can we all emerge victorious.

On this occasion, we reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to enhancing our ties with our neighboring countries, the region, and the world, based on mutual respect and shared interests. As always, the Kurdistan Region will continue to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability, actively engaging with the international community, and fostering a diverse and harmonious society.

With great hope and anticipation, we look forward to the future.

Happy New Year to everyone.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/congratulations-to-president-nechirvan-barzani-on-the-occasion-of-the-new-year/

President Nechirvan Barzani held a meeting today with Türkiye’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Ali Riza Guney, and his delegation. In their discussion, both sides commended the strength of Iraq’s and Kurdistan Region’s relations with Türkiye, while also emphasizing the importance of further enhancing these relations and promoting greater cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and the economy.

The Turkish Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s willingness to support oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. The President expressed his gratitude to Türkiye for its stance and referred to the technical discussions that are currently underway between Erbil and Baghdad to facilitate this process.

In addition to exchanging views on the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the meeting also addressed the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the status of ethnic and religious communities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the latest developments in the wider region.