News

President Nechirvan Barzani offers condolences to the United Kingdom

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 11,2022
President Nechirvan Barzani visited the Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Erbil this morning, to pay his respects following HM Queen Elizabeth’s death. The President left the first handwritten note in the Consulate’s condolence book.

In his note, the President expressed his condolences to HM King Charles III, the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth of Nations, and offered his sympathies.

The President also referred to the respected position of HM Queen Elizabeth II who was revered and admired around the world. The President stressed that he and the people of the Kurdistan Region stand with His Majesty the King and the royal family in this difficult time.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-offers-condolences-to-the-united-kingdom/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives the Ambassador of China

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 28, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the incoming Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iraq, Mr. Cui Wei and his accompanying delegation.

At the meeting, President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed the new Ambassador of China to Iraq, congratulated him on assuming the office and wished him success. The President also reiterated the support of the Kurdistan Region for Ambassador Cui Wei and reaffirmed the willingness to develop bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and China in all areas. The President also thanked China for its continuous support to the medical Institutions of the Kurdistan Region during COVID-19 outbreak.

For his part, the incoming Ambassador of China to Iraq commended the progresses made in the Kurdistan Region and valued the sacrifices of the Peshmarga forces in the war against ISIS. Ambassador Cui expressed his country’s desire to develop bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, noting that Iraq is an important trade partner of China, and hoping to increase the level of export and import with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Discussions also covered the work and services of the Chinese Embassy in Baghdad and their Consulate in Erbil; the political developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and other topics of mutual interest were highlighted.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-the-ambassador-of-china/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives the outgoing Consul General of Germany

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, August 7, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Germany’s outgoing Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Klemens Semtner.

The President thanked Consul General Semtner for his efforts to promote his country’s relations with the Kurdistan Region and wished him success in his upcoming assignment.

For his part, the German Consul General referred to his term in office in the Kurdistan Region and thanked the relevant parties for their cooperation and support during his tenure, commending the efforts of President Nechirvan Barzani to bring about unity among political factions.

Discussions also focused on the bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Germany, the Iraqi political process, the situation in Sinjar and other issues of mutual interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-the-outgoing-consul-general-of-germany/

Statement by PM Masrour Barzani on the Anniversary of the Barzani Genocide

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued the following statement on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Barzani Genocide:

“Today we commemorate one of the greatest and most unforgettable crimes of the former Iraqi regime: the massacre and genocide of nearly 8,000 innocent Barzani civilians. The commemoration of the victims of this atrocity is especially sad this year as it coincides with the return of the remains of 100 more Barzani Anfal victims from the deserts of southern Iraq to the Kurdistan Region and their homeland in Barzan.

“The Barzan region has been the center of Kurdishness, revolution and uprising against oppression and occupation for more than a century. It has been a refuge of tolerance and peace for all who have turned to it in the face of injustice and oppression. Consequently, this region, like all other regions of Kurdistan, has consistently faced military attacks, destruction, bombings and the use of prohibited weapons.

“The genocide of the Barzanis is part of a series of crimes against the Barzan area and all other areas of the Kurdistan Region, which marked the beginning of the Anfal genocide and chemical attacks on the Kurdistan Region.

“On the anniversary of this massacre, we commemorate the martyrs of the Barzanis and all the martyrs of the Kurdistan Region. The commemoration of the Barzani Genocide is also the commemoration of all the Anfal victims and martyrs of the Kurdistan Region in Garmian, Badinan, Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, Failis and Sinjar.

“We should also remember with appreciation the sacrifices and perseverance of the kind mothers and relatives of the victims, who proudly and stoically faced the hardships of life and the consequences of this atrocity. We also thank the people of Erbil and other parts of Kurdistan Region for their courage, assistance and solidarity with the families of the Anfal victims.

“On this occasion, we once again demand compensation to the families of the victims of genocide and Anfal from the Iraqi Federal Government, as stipulated in the Constitution, which, unfortunately, for many years, like many other articles, has been neglected and should no longer be ignored.

“The Kurdish people must always remember these crimes committed against them and must never sacrifice the freedom and self-governance of the Kurdish people under any pretext or for any purpose.

“On the anniversary of the Barzani Genocide, we pay our respects to the souls of all the martyrs and Anfal victims of Kurdistan Region.

“We will always remember them with dignity.”

Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region

31 Jul 2022

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/july/statement-by-pm-masrour-barzani-on-the-anniversary-of-the-barzani-genocide/

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani meets with Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD)- Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met today, Prime Minister of the Iraqi Federal Government Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Baghdad.

During the meeting, they discussed all national affairs and issues that concern the lives of Iraqi citizens and the provision of services and ways to continue joint work between Baghdad and Erbil in a way that achieves food security for all Iraqis and ensures a decent life for them.

The two sides expressed their strong condemnation of the Turkish aggressions on Iraqi territory, especially the recent attack that claimed the lives of many innocent citizens. They also stressed the importance of a unified vision to deal with the attack, and investigate its circumstances, in a way that fortifies Iraq's sovereignty and prevents violating it in the future.

Security coordination between the federal security forces and the forces of the Kurdistan region of Iraq was also discussed, as well as the importance of continuing to confront the threat of ISIS and other terrorist organizations, and ensuring that they do not threaten the security of Iraqis again.

The two sides also discussed ways to tackle the effects of the economic challenges suffered by the world and the region and the importance of creating the appropriate atmosphere for economic development. Accordingly, they emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation and joint coordination between the federal government and the regional government to attract investments and maximize revenues.

In this context, it was agreed to increase dialogue between the Federal Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to address the outstanding issues and continue working to reach common solutions, and achieve a state of integration in the management of the oil resources, in a manner that serves s the interest of the Iraqi people.

The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of working as one team and focusing on common interests in a way that achieves security, stability, and prosperity for all Iraqi people.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/july/prime-minister-masrour-barzani-meets-with-prime-minister-mustafa-al-kadhimi/

PM Masrour Barzani meets Kuwaiti Consul General in Erbil

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday met with the Consul General of Kuwait in Erbil, Dr. Omar Al-Kanderi.

Prime Minister Barzani offered his thanks to the Kuwaiti Consul General for his efforts in developing bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Kuwait, and wished him success in his future endeavors.

In response, the Consul General thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for their continuous cooperation and coordination with the Consulate General of Kuwait.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/july/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-kuwaiti-consul-general-in-erbil/

PM Masrour Barzani meets German parliamentary delegation

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday met with a German parliamentary delegation led by MPs Max Lucks and Kassem Taher Saleh.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Germany's consistent support and conveyed the Region's desire for stronger bilateral ties and cooperation.

The German delegation strongly condemned Wednesday's terrorist attack on Erbil and expressed Germany’s support for the continued stability of the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides also discussed the KRG’s reform program, German investment opportunities, and the need to resolve outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/june/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-german-parliamentary-delegation/

A statement from the meeting of political parties at the Kurdistan Region Presidency

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, June 9, 2022

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani chaired a meeting with political parties of the Kurdistan Region today in Erbil, attended by Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), and her accompanying team of election experts of the UNAMI.

The meeting was dedicated to the preparations for the upcoming Kurdistan parliamentary elections and efforts to bring the political factions closer together on a number of issues, including the election law, the Independent High Electoral Commission, the opinion polls and other issues related to the elections.

The meeting strongly condemned the terrorist drone attack of Wednesday night, June 8, 2022 on Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, which caused civilian casualties and civilian property damage. It was affirmed that the attack was a serious threat to the security and stability of Iraq. The Iraqi Federal Government was urged to end these aggressions and make serious efforts to prevent the repetition of such attacks in coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s security agencies.

President Nechirvan Barzani thanked Ms. Plasschaert for her efforts in Iraq and her support of the Kurdistan Region and for the issue of the parliamentary elections. The President also thanked the political parties for accepting the invitation of the Presidency to attend the meeting.

After the discussion and exchange of views, all the participants agreed on the importance of holding a successful election in a way that the Kurdistan Region’s national interests and the process of democracy should be given the highest priority. Furthermore, the Presidency of the Region will continue its efforts to solve the problems facing the election law. For this purpose, the meeting decided to establish a secretariat in the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region in coordination with the UNAMI team to follow up and continue the efforts with the political parties and prepare a report by July 1, 2022.

All parties appreciated the efforts of the President of the Kurdistan Region in bringing the political parties closer together and stressed that they will support the steps taken by the Presidency. They also thanked the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Plasschaert.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/a-statement-from-the-meeting-of-political-parties-at-the-kurdistan-region-presidency/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with UK Ambassador

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 25, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Mark Bryson-Richardson and his accompanying political and military delegation.

Discussions covered a wide range of issues including the UK bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the latest political developments in Iraq, the developments in the Kurdistan Region, the war against terrorism and ISIS movements in the disputed territories of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. The global warming and climate change and their ramifications for Iraq, Kurdistan and the wider region were highlighted.

Both sides reiterated the importance of common vision and understanding among all Iraqi sides to find solution to the existing problems and affirmed that there are opportunities to reach an agreement and overcome the political gridlock in the country.

Both sides voiced concerns over the developments in Shingal area which has triggered a new refugee crisis, and reaffirmed the importance of collective cooperation between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Discussions also focused on President Nechirvan Barzani’s recent visit to Sulaimani and his meetings with political parties, Erbil-Baghdad ties, Iraq’s relations with the outside world and other topics of mutual interest.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-uk-ambassador/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives renowned Kurdish tenor Shahram Nazeri

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 18, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil, the renowned Kurdish vocalist, Mr. Shahram Nazeri, who is currently visiting the Kurdistan Region. Mr. Nazeri was recently granted the Golden Award from the Ministry of Culture of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed delight at meeting Mr. Nazeri and paid tribute to his artistic work, his contributions and services. The President referred to Mr. Nazeri as a great artist on the international stage and a source of pride for all Kurds and the people of Kurdistan. The President reiterated full support for Mr. Nazeri and wished him good health and continued success.

For his part, Mr. Nazeri thanked the President for his support and expressed gratitude for being awarded in the Kurdistan Region. Mr. Nazeri said that the award in Kurdistan was far more encouraging and valuable for him than all of the international prizes granted to him. Mr. Nazeri expressed his delight over visiting the Kurdistan Region and meeting with President Nechirvan Barzani.

Kurdistan Region Minister of Culture and Deputy Minister of Culture also attended the meeting.