Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

President Nechirvan Barzani’s New Year’s message

2021-12-31T14:02:52.000000Z
Courtesy Statements
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, December 31, 2021

On the occasion of the New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to all the people of Kurdistan, especially the families of our fallen heroes, our brave Peshmarga, the security forces, the young people and our fellow citizens outside of Kurdistan, to the people of Iraq and the world. I hope the new year will bring peace and prosperity, progress and stability, hope and welfare for everyone.

The people of the Kurdistan Region and the world endured two difficult years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating implications. In the past year, we continued to confront terrorism, witnessed the heartbreaking stories of the migrants, saw the impacts of climate change and the destructions made by the flash floods. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the fallen heroes and all families who lost their loved ones. We remember and honor them. We offer our respect and appreciation to the people of the Kurdistan Region for their understanding, patience and resilience in the face of crises.

In order to overcome hardships and challenges, and to preserve the rights, the constitutional achievements and the federal status of the Kurdistan Region, we need to work together and take collective responsibility. It is only through common purpose, joint efforts and unity among all communities, factions and parties in the Kurdistan Region that we can secure a better future for our people.

In contributing to a peaceful and prosperous Iraq, together, with unity and common purpose, we can overcome difficulties and crises. It is necessary to turn a new page in Iraq, to draw on lessons learned and to build on past experiences, to truly understand the challenges and to have serious will to address the problems. Mutual respect and true partnership in the political process and governance are now needed more than ever to restore trust, peace and stability for all Iraqi communities.

We extend our gratitude to the international coalition and community, allies and partners who continued to support us in the fight against terrorism as our common values and principles continue to bring us closer together. We are committed to our collective duties and responsibilities as we remain an active member of the international community, a factor for peace and stability in Iraq and the wider region and a land of coexistence, tolerance and diversity.

With optimism, we look forward to the new year and a brighter future. Happy New Year to everyone. I wish you all a year full of joy and success.

Nechirvan Barzani
The President of the Kurdistan Region