پەرلەمانی کوردستان
October 16, 2025
President Nechirvan Barzani received His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, along with his delegation of bishops, priests, and clergy from many parts of the world.
The Patriarch and his delegation discussed the purpose of their visit to the Kurdistan Region, which was to inaugurate two churches, one in Erbil and the other in Duhok.
They expressed their gratitude to President Nechirvan Barzani and the Kurdistan Region for their support to the Christian community, particularly during difficult times and the displacement of Christians and other communities amid conflict. They also commended the spirit of coexistence among the communities in the Kurdistan Region.
President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that Kurdistan is a homeland for all, without distinction, and expressed pride in the spirit of coexistence. He affirmed that the Kurdistan Region will continue to foster, strengthen, and safeguard a culture of coexistence, tolerance, and pluralism. He also highlighted that Christians are an indigenous community of this country, sharing equal rights and responsibilities.
The meeting also included discussions on the situation of the church and its followers in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and other countries.
