News

President Nechirvan Barzani: Kurdistan is empowered by its talented and creative youth

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, November 14, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani participated today in Erbil in the launch of the Kurdistan Institute for Innovation (KII), which was attended by Mr. Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region and a number of local and foreign officials and dignitaries.

The President delivered the following speech at the launching ceremony:

Welcome everyone.

First of all, Mr. Prime Minister congratulated the anniversary of the founding of Sulaymaniyah city. Since I am fifty percent from Sulaymaniyah, I thank him and congratulate the people of Sulaymaniyah and the whole of Kurdistan. I wish them success. Of course, the existing problems will be resolved through dialogue and understanding. We must make this our culture in this country and continue to do so. Good luck.

Also, I stand with Mr. Prime Minister regarding the drone and missile attacks this morning on the city of Koya and the bordering areas. The Kurdistan Region wants to reiterate that it seeks to be a factor of stability in the region and aspires to have good relations with all its neighbors. And in that context, it seeks to have good relations also with Iran.

We have done what we could so far and we will continue to do so in this regard. The Kurdistan Region should not become a threat to the neighboring countries. However, let me say that we see no justification for these missiles and drone attacks on Kurdistan, which must be stopped.

We call on Baghdad not to be silent and to put an end to these violations of Iraqi sovereignty

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very pleased to participate in the launch of the Kurdistan Innovation Institute, which is an important and necessary institution for the Kurdistan Region.

The joint cooperation and support of the government, private sector and universities in such an institution is necessary and important for the success of the institution’s mission to highlight innovation and creativity. Kurdistan youth in particular and anyone with new and innovative ideas in any field, can now turn to this institution and rely on its support.

I am sure that there are many young people in Kurdistan in all fields who have new and serious ideas, dreams and passion for creativity and innovation. If there are opportunities and support, Kurdistan’s youth can innovate in many fields of science, technology, medicine and other fields.

Many of us may have heard, seen, or read in the media that a young person, a student, a professional, someone here and there, has an idea or an invention and worked on it through their own efforts and expenses. But their efforts seldom reached a final stage, because unfortunately they didn’t have sufficient support; and because there were no doors to knock on to receive support and prove their talents.

The absence of such an institution may have disheartened many young and innovative people in this country. They may have worked so hard in many different areas but failed to achieve any positive results and in the end they might have given up. Unfortunately, this is a sad fact!

But now young people and people with innovative ideas can see the establishment of the Kurdistan Innovation Institute as good news that they can turn to in the future. They can come and prove their talents, their ideas and innovations through this institution; find financial support for their ideas and innovations; and from just an idea, turn it into action and develop it; make it a product and a source of income and job opportunities for themselves and others.

The presence of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in the chairmanship of the board of directors of this institution, the presence of prominent names in the private sector such as KAR Group, Qaywan Group, Kurdistan universities and academic centers alongside this institution and its management, make it possible for anyone with ideas and talents in any field to prove, develop and invest without hesitation, with confidence and certainty.

I know how seriously Mr. Prime Minister has talked about this idea and worked seriously on it, and this has been one of the dreams he has always talked about with me and many others. Before this ceremony, he repeatedly emphasized to me that the ceremony is very important to him and I should participate in it. I am very pleased that this opportunity has come today and it is really a very important ceremony. I congratulate Mr. Prime Minister and the board which manage this institution. I wish them success.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kurdistan’s youth and innovators are as good as their peers in other countries. They have great abilities, talents, will and dreams. I am sure that if there is the necessary support and assistance available, if there is follow-up, encouragement and appreciation for their ideas and innovations, young people can prove themselves like their peers in other countries.

They can leave their mark, create and discover in many areas. Therefore, it is the duty of the government and the relevant parties to provide all support and assistance to the owners of ideas and the innovators.

I hope that the establishment of the Kurdistan Innovation Institute will be the first step in a continuous process of support and cooperation, opening up more and wider opportunities for talents in any field. It will lead to scientific discovery in the name of youth. Kurdistan’s inventors should be registered at home and abroad.

This institution should be an incentive for Kurdistan’s youth to work harder, do research, follow up and think. Take this opportunity to present creative ideas, maps and plans, hold on to them and don’t give up; to make it a reality and a pride for yourselves, your families and your country.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

While globalization and rapid technological advances have widened the range of opportunities, the existence of such an institution in Kurdistan will bring the opportunities for the country’s innovators much closer, making their dreams come true.

Today’s world is such that for example, if someone has an idea or an invention anywhere in Kurdistan, he or she can put a map of their invention and draw the parts on their computer at home, send it to places like China to make the pieces and have the manufactured products sent back to him.

So if there is a special institution in this field, how much better, more orderly and safer will the work be? Such an institution can facilitate and support the process to reach a final, smooth and successful completion at all stages, with legal and scientific registration, licensing, (protected rights) and (legal rights).

Therefore, I would like to reiterate that the idea of establishing the Kurdistan Innovation Institute and the purpose behind the establishment is commendable and respectful. I would like to warmly congratulate all those who have worked to make this institution a reality. I hope it will become a center of talent in a peaceful and stable future for the talents of Kurdistan at home and abroad.

I congratulate the youth and innovators of Kurdistan that now there is a center based on the support and cooperation of the government – private sector – university, which will be their laboratory to go to with their ideas and innovations.

I wish the Kurdistan Innovation Institute and its managers success. I congratulate them.

Thank you all; I wish you a good day.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-kurdistan-is-empowered-by-its-talented-and-creative-youth/

President Nechirvan Barzani meets with US Ambassador to Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, November 2, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski and her accompanying delegation that included diplomatic and military officials.

Discussions focused on the latest political developments in Iraq and the newly formed Iraqi government and the challenges ahead. The meeting underlined the need to address the urgent issues by the new Iraqi government. Both sides agreed that establishing the new Iraqi cabinet is an opportunity to resolve the pending problems, to bring about stability in the country and to support stability of the wider region.

Both sides underlined the importance of Iraq’s balanced relations with the neighboring and regional countries and agreed that the new Iraqi government has the opportunity to encourage investment and attract foreign capital by creating proper economic conditions.

Discussions also covered the US bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Ambassador Romanowski reaffirmed the US desire to expand cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the reform process in the Ministry of Peshmarga and the unification of the Peshmerga forces, and expressed the support of the United States to the process.

Disputes between Baghdad and Erbil and the efforts to resolves the issues, the situation in the Kurdistan Region and the importance of deescalating tensions, climate change, economic reforms, the development in the wider region and other issues of mutual importance were discussed at the meeting which was also attended by the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region and the Head of the Iraqi Desk at the US Department of State.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-us-ambassador-to-iraq/

PM Masrour Barzani meets with UNAMI chief

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today received the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

Both discussed the political process in Iraq following the inauguration of the new government in Baghdad, stressing that all parties should support the cabinet’s agenda so it serves all the components of the country equally, and resolves the pending issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

The government’s reform agenda leading by Prime Minister Barzani, including the process of constructing a digital infrastructure, were also highlighted during the meeting.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/october/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-with-unami-chief/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives a letter from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, October 4, 2022

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received a letter from Ms. Liz Truss, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

In her letter, Prime Minister Truss thanks President Nechirvan Barzani for his attendance at Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, and expresses her pleasure at meeting with the President in London again.

In the letter, Prime Minister Truss values her country’s strong relationship with the Kurdistan Region as a key partner in the Middle East. Ms. Truss also writes that her country and the Kurdistan Region share mutual values and common priorities, including on security and counterterrorism, freedom of expression and education, and reiterates that the UK and the Kurdistan Region will continue to work hard to deliver on these vital issues.

In closing, Prime Minister Truss writes that she hopes to work with the Kurdistan Region further in her new role and build on steadfast friendship between the United Kingdom and the Kurdistan Region.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-a-message-from-the-british-prime-minister/

PM Masrour Barzani meets Australian Ambassador to Iraq

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met today with the Australian Ambassador to Iraq, Paula Ganly.

Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the importance of resolving all outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad through constructive dialogue and in a way which respects the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan.

Both discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Australia. The Australian Ambassador expressed her country’s desire to increase cooperation and further build bilateral ties with Erbil.

The Prime Minister also briefed the Ambassador on the Ninth Cabinet’s reform program and the ongoing digital transformation agenda of government services.

Further topics of discussion included the plight of displaced peoples and the detrimental impacts of climate change on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/october/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-australian-ambassador-to-iraq/

President Nechirvan Barzani attends memorial service on the 5th anniversary of the late President Jalal Talabani’s passing

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, October 3, 2022

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani attended a memorial service today in Erbil honoring the life of the late President Jalal Talabani on the 5th anniversary of his passing. Iraq’s President Dr. Barham Salih, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mr. Mustafa Kadhimi, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Mr. Masrour Barzani, the Speaker of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament Dr. Rewaz Fayeq and a number of ministers and senior officials of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq also participated in today’s memorial service.

The following is a readout of the speech delivered by President Nechirvan Barzani:

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon and welcome all.

Today, October 3rd, on the anniversary of the passing of Mam Jalal, we pay tribute to his soul and honor his memory. It is true that a few years have passed since Mam Jalal bade farewell for the last time, but throughout these years and after his deteriorating health prevented him from continuing his political duties, we have always felt the void that Mam Jalal has left.

On this anniversary, I pay tribute to Mam Jalal, and I send my best regards to his companion, his comrade and wife, Ms. Hero. I hope she is in good health and I wish her a long life.

Dear honorable guests,
I am glad that the “President Mam Jalal Foundation” is being announced today. I would like to thank the founding board of this institution and I wish its managers and directors success.

Mam Jalal’s history is a crucial part of the modern history of the liberation movement in Kurdistan. It is important to have an institution which shows his struggle. Having an institution to introduce current and future generations to President Mam Jalal’s struggle is necessary.

I hope the work of this institution will be carried out successfully. Mam Jalal put great energy and effort into journalism, supported Kurdish publications and the Kurdish cultural work; I hope this institution becomes an extended pathway of Mam Jalal’s route.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I met Mam Jalal during the days of creating peace and consensus, and therefore for me, more than anything else, he was a great leader of preserving peace and collective work.

On November 8, 1986, the late Mam Jalal and my late father, signed the reconciliation agreement between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). That day, I accompanied my father to the meeting. It was a very historic day for the people of Kurdistan.

On that day, I saw Mam Jalal for the first time. Up until his health deteriorated and passed away, a good and respectful relation continued between us. His soul returned to the God Almighty, but his love and respect will always remain with us.

That agreement of 1986, later led to a grand reconciliation among all parties of Iraqi Kurdistan, ended the civil war, and resulted in the formation of the Kurdistani Front.

Because of the Kurdistani Front, the Kurdistan liberation movement and the people of Kurdistan were able to endure the crimes of the chemical attacks and the genocidal Anfal. Because of the Kurdistani Front, the uprising succeeded and for the first time, a free election was held in Kurdistan with the Parliament and the Kurdistan Regional Government being established.

After the civil war erupted in 1994, President Mam Jalal’s desire for peace and H.E President Barzani’s belief in peace resulted in them signing the reconciliation agreement in 1998 in Washington. This became a new stage of peace and a phase full of constitutional and political achievements being recorded for the people of Kurdistan.

Many achievements were made for the people of Kurdistan; all of which were obtained because of President Mam Jalal and President Masoud Barzani working together. Mam Jalal did his utmost to support Kak Masoud, and Kak Masoud never failed to support Mam Jalal.

When the post of the Iraqi Presidency was at stake (which according to the constitution should be assigned to a Kurd), President Masoud Barzani did not give in to the pressure of the US president and regional pressures in 2010 and Mam Jalal was reelected president.

This harmony of work was the order through many years; it brought stability and success for the people of Kurdistan, and therefore these years must truly be called ‘the golden years.’ During these years and because of this consensus and unity, Kurdistan experienced protracted growth, stability, progress, development, reconstruction and welfare, which all of Kurdistan took pride in.

Mam Jalal was very much concerned to preserve the existing consensus and solidarity. At many occasions he told me that if time went back, he would never allow differences to emerge between him and the late Mustafa Barzani. Later, he expressed this sentiment through public media and platforms as well. With firm conviction, Mam Jalal used to say that he had unilaterally decided not to become part of disputes or a civil war, no matter what the consequences and the cost would be.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The unity of KDP and PUK and signing the Strategic Agreement between them by President Mam Jalal and President Masoud Barzani brought great achievements for the people of Kurdistan and led to peace and democracy in the country.

Unfortunately, some people and parties said at the time that the Strategic Agreement was suffocating democracy. But if we look at the post-agreement era between the KDP and the PUK, we realize that their assessment was not correct. Following the Strategic Agreement, many general and local elections followed, as well as many union and syndicate elections.

In the aftermath of the KDP-PUK Strategic Agreement, the conditions for the stability and progress of state and government institutions emerged; the environment for opposition groups in Kurdistan Region was formed; media freedom was broadened; fragmentation between the two administrations in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah eased; the conditions to unify national forces improved and collaboration between the security agencies widened.

All of these made the domestic unity stronger and led to a robust Kurdistan in Iraq and the wider region. At the same time, it rallied greater global support for the people of Kurdistan and their rights.

Those who criticized the KDP-PUK Strategic Agreement were not aware that the agreement was very much necessary for that period in Kurdistan. They were not aware that without the Strategic Agreement, the conditions in Kurdistan would deteriorate, and lead to a weaker position and influence.

Indeed, the KDP and the PUK, as two main forces in Kurdistan Region and Iraq, once again need a new mutual agreement now according to the conditions of the period. An agreement between the KDP and the PUK, and unity and consensus between all communities of Kurdistan is very much needed to prevent further fragmentation of the decision making and political will of the people of Kurdistan.

Strengthening the position of the Kurdistan Region must be at the centre, since the strength of us all depends on the position of the Kurdistan Region. Our strength comes from our unity. The factors that can make Kurdistan Region strong again are the KDP, the PUK, and the consensus and unity of all parties and factions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mam Jala made the post of the Iraqi presidency strong and great, since he was a factor of solidarity for all the Iraqi forces, as he was a great defender of the Kurds, Shiites, Sunnis and all other communities. Mam Jalal’s office in Baghdad became a place to dampen disagreements and resolve disputes. With Mam Jalal’s departure from Bagdad, a great pillar of consensus was lost, and a main centre of political dialogue was absent, to the extent that even today the people and parties in Iraq are well aware of it.

As we come together on this occasion, we remember dialogues, talks and searching for an agreement. I am certain that all of you have now stronger will to conduct talks and resolve differences. Therefore, I ask you to come forward with initiatives and actions towards that noble objective. Do not see dialogue, initiatives and agreements as failure or concessions. Because the one who is engaged in dialogue and forms agreements is always a winner.

I hope the memory of Mam Jalal will inspire the unity of Kurdistani parties and encourages the talks among Iraqi sides. On this occasion I ask all Kurdistani parties to come to agreement and work together. I ask all Iraqi sides to remember the days when Mam Jalal was the president and brought together all communities for the highest interest of all Iraqis.

Similarly, today we need to come together and resolve the issues collectively with the same spirit. The Iraqi people are truly exhausted from the political disputes, since they know that as long as the disputes continue, public services will be incomplete and the stability and sovereignty of the country will be weak.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we mark this day, I remember many occasions with Mam Jalal. Often, when there was a dispute, Mam Jalal would say with his great humor: ‘Let’s have a chat.’ Thanks to God, those chats always led to achievements and averted disagreements.

Let us do the same today and decide to agree. Concession for the sake of agreement and for sake of the people is victory and is in no ways considered failure.

Tributes to the soul of Mam Jala and may he rest in peace. Welcome all again and thank you.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-attends-memorial-service-on-the-5th-anniversary-of-the-late-president-jalal-talabanis-passing/

PM Masrour Barzani meets Iraqi counterpart

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received today his Iraqi counterpart, Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Both discussed the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad and stressed the crucial importance of continuing constructive dialogue to resolve the issues.

Prime Minister Barzani conveyed his concerns regarding the Kurdistan Region’s constitutionally guaranteed share of the Federal budget having been withheld in recent times.

Both sides also emphasized the centrality of ensuring the rights of all constituents within Iraq.

https://gov.krd/english/government/the-prime-minister/activities/posts/2022/october/pm-masrour-barzani-meets-iraqi-counterpart/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, October 3, 2022

President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Mr. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the Prime Minister of Iraq.

The meeting discussed the latest political developments in the country and the efforts of the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Region to bring the political parties closer together and to protect peace and stability at home. Both sides agreed that dialogue is the only way to reach a solution to the existing problems.

The President and the Prime Minister emphasized that it is a collective duty to protect the lives of the citizens and demonstrators in all of Iraq, as well as to protect public and private properties. They also highlighted that all sides must support the security forces to carry out their mission of protecting the country’s security and stability.

Discussions also covered the latest security developments and the recent targeting of several areas in the Kurdistan Region. Both sides reiterated that Iraqi sovereignty must be respected, and reiterated that Iraq must not become a battleground to settle regional disputes. They also stressed that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are committed to friendly relations with neighboring countries and that Iraqi soil must not be a source of threat to these countries.

https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-receives-iraqs-prime-minister-mustafa-al-kadhimi/

President Nechirvan Barzani receives the Ambassador of Qatar

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 13, 2022
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President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the Ambassador of Qatar to Iraq, Mr. Khalid bin Hamad Al Sulaiti.

Discussions covered the bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Qatar, the political situation in Iraq and the latest developments in the country. The meeting also discussed the efforts to open the Consulate General of Qatar in Erbil in the future, investment opportunities for Qatari businesses in the Kurdistan Region, and the preparations by Qatar to host the World Cup 2022.

Both sides stressed the willingness of Qatar and Kurdistan to further promote relations and joint cooperation between them and to provide the conditions for Qatari investments in various sectors in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq; they also discussed the importance of direct Qatar airways flights to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Discussions also covered the importance of Iraq’s political stability for the region, the relations between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with neighboring and regional countries, and other issues of mutual interest.

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

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.