پەرلەمانی کوردستان
October 15, 2025
President Nechirvan Barzani attended the graduation ceremony for the fourteenth cohort of the American University of Iraq-Sulaimani (AUIS) where 218 students graduated and received their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The event featured speeches by Dr. Bilal Wahab, the President of AUIS, and General David Petraeus, who commended President Nechirvan Barzani for his unwavering support of the university, as well as his leadership and dedication to the development of the Kurdistan Region.
During his address, the President acknowledged the university’s contribution to nurturing a generation filled with hope for the future. He also expressed gratitude for the support and assistance provided by General Petraeus, a true friend of the people of Kurdistan and Iraq, who has stood by Iraq and the Kurdistan Region during challenging times.
President Nechirvan Barzani highlighted the inauguration of the artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory at the university, named in honor of General Petraeus, as a reflection of the people of Kurdistan’s gratitude for his support. He also underscored the critical role of AI in shaping the present and future across various sectors of life.
The following is a readout of President’s speech:
General David Petraeus,
Long-time friend of the people of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,
Esteemed President, Faculty, and Staff of the University,
Dear students,
Dear attendees,
Good evening!
I am always delighted to be in Sulaimani, and this evening I find myself even more joyful as we gather with you to attend two significant events and ceremonies. We are here for the graduation ceremony of the 14th academic session of the American University of Iraq–Sulaimani, along with the inauguration of the Petraeus Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (the Petraeus AI Lab), marking a hopeful advancement for the future of science and technology in both Kurdistan and all of Iraq.
On this special occasion, I would like to warmly welcome General Petraeus back to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. It is a great pleasure to have you with us for this ceremony.
On behalf of myself and everyone present, I extend my congratulations to him for being awarded an honorary doctorate from the American University of Sulaimani. I would also like to express my gratitude to the university for bestowing this honor on him. Let’s please welcome and congratulate General Petraeus with a round of applause.
Dear Graduates, my dear sons and daughters,
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on this occasion, a culmination of years of dedication and effort. I also wish to acknowledge your families and teachers who have supported you through this journey and contributed to your achievements. Today, we are all proud of your accomplishments.
What you have accomplished today, whether you have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in various disciplines, marks the commencement of a new chapter in your professional lives. Dear graduates, you are not merely receiving a certificate today; you are embracing a significant responsibility that will shape the future of our country.
Kurdistan and Iraq need your contributions: your expertise, your creative ideas, your innovative spirit, and your enthusiasm, which embody the essence of hope and transformation.
I will express this with sincerity and transparency: the future we envision for Kurdistan and Iraq will solely be shaped by your efforts. You are at the forefront of development, constructing a robust, advanced, and thriving nation and society. A nation and society built on the principles of freedom, democracy, diversity, openness, knowledge, and progress.
In Kurdistan, we have established education as a fundamental pillar for societal development. We firmly believe that investing in human potential is the most intelligent, beneficial, and rewarding investment. The American University of Sulaimani, along with other universities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, demonstrates the positive and constructive influence that modern, open education can have on the world.
This university in Sulaimani, throughout the years, has cultivated a generation of educated youth who embrace the principles of democracy, modern science, and independent critical thinking. This is exactly what our society needs to build a stronger, brighter, and more progressive future.
Dear attendees,
The Petraeus Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence, which was inaugurated just two days ago at the university, marks a significant shift in the landscape of scientific research, technology, and development in this field.
This groundbreaking initiative, currently being launched in Kurdish (Sorani) and set to expand to additional languages, embodies not only the university’s aspirations but also a strong belief that we are not merely consumers of technology. We are not willing to be just users; we also want and have the potential to be innovators in the field of technology.
This initiative will elevate the great and rich Kurdish language to a more advanced level. It safeguards the Kurdish language, culture, and literature, showcasing them to the global community. This, along with the other endeavors of the American University of Sulaimani in the fields of IT and AI, and in the realm of Kurdish studies, represents a significant milestone that warrants recognition and praise.
It demonstrates that we in the Kurdistan Region are capable of making substantial progress with the involvement of young individuals like you, supported by dedicated educators and steadfast friends such as General Petraeus, and it allows us to embrace the advanced world of technology.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping the contemporary landscape of the economy, education, healthcare, energy, and sustainable development. It is rapidly becoming a daily necessity in all areas of life. Consequently, the inauguration of this laboratory in Erbil, Sulaimani, and Kurdistan symbolizes a beacon of hope and resilience, reflecting our faith in the potential of youth and the power of science, and affirming our commitment to being a vital contributor to a more promising and luminous future.
On this occasion, I wish to extend my heartfelt welcome and congratulations to our esteemed friend of the people of Kurdistan and Iraq, General David Petraeus. He has spent several days in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. We aspire for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to progress towards the vision he championed: a stable, democratic, and prosperous nation.
He played a crucial role during a pivotal time in our country’s history. He courageously confronted terrorism alongside Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and contributed to the support of numerous significant projects in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
Although computers were not imported to this country during that period, he was the pioneer who brought computers to Sulaimani University via airplane. He also contributed to the development of the airports in Erbil and Sulaimani.
I am hopeful that flights from Sulaimani Airport to Türkiye, along with those passing through Turkish airspace to Europe and other destinations, will resume very soon. This follows the directive issued during my meeting with President Erdoğan last week to reopen Turkish airspace for flights to and from Sulaimani.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the renaming of Sulaimani Airport in honor of the late President Mam Jalal. This is a significant step in commemorating him today, as he was a tremendous advocate for this university and for all of Iraq. I have personally observed his deep commitment to the development of this university, and he requested that everyone lend their support to this university. May his soul rest in peace.
The support and assistance provided by General Petraeus will forever be honored in the hearts and memories of the people of Kurdistan.
Naming this laboratory in honor of General Petraeus not only recognizes the people’s gratitude for his cooperation, friendship, and loyalty but also stands as a true heartfelt acknowledgment from the people of Kurdistan for a friend who has supported us through our most challenging times. Thank you very much, General.
Dear Graduates,
Today, the keys to the future are in your hands. You are not only representing yourselves but also the future of the country and the people who value freedom, openness, and progress. Therefore, I am eager for you to be ambitious, creative, open, critical, confident, and, most importantly, love your country and strive for it. Don’t just be satisfied with sharing with the world, but also participate in shaping it.
I value the prominent position of the American University of Sulaimani and am optimistic that its AI laboratory will evolve into a genuine hub for scientific innovation, aiding in the advancement of information and technology in Kurdistan, Iraq, and the surrounding region. I firmly believe in the potential of the youth and the new generation of Kurdistan to make groundbreaking and creative strides in this domain.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you, dear graduates, along with your families, teachers, and the university staff. You represent a beacon of pride and hope for all of us, for Kurdistan and Iraq.
I wish you success in all your endeavors.
I wish you the best of times.
Welcome.
Thank you very much.
