پەرلەمانی کوردستان
Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region
April 16, 2025
President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the Sulaimani Forum today hosted by the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS).
The event saw the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, along with several high-ranking officials from both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as academics, researchers, and attendees from the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, neighboring countries, and beyond. During the conference, President Nechirvan Barzani addressed the audience with the following speech:
Your Excellency Mr. Mohammed Shiaa Al- Sudani, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Iraq,
Esteemed Attendees,
Distinguished Guests,
Good morning,
You are all warmly welcomed.
It is with great pleasure that I join you at this conference in the cherished and historic city of Sulaimani. Sulaymaniyah has consistently served as a beacon of intellectual thought, cultural diversity, political pluralism, and a stronghold of patriotism. The Sulaimani Forum has evolved into a significant forum for dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on both regional and international matters.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my friend, Dr. Barham Salih, as well as to all the organizers of this conference and the American University of Iraq-Sulaimani. I am confident that this conference will be productive in enhancing discussions on pertinent issues and fostering innovative solutions to address the challenges at hand.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today’s conference is set against a backdrop of significant geopolitical shifts that are reshaping international relations and may alter both regional and global dynamics. Ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza, along with the intensifying economic competition among major powers, will undoubtedly influence our region.
Concurrently, the world is grappling with shared challenges, particularly in the realm of climate change, which poses threats to food security, migration, terrorism, and various other issues that impact both the present and future of humanity. The effects are starkly evident in numerous regions of Iraq, where countless individuals have been compelled to relocate due to water scarcity.
In the Kurdistan Region, we recognize the critical need for international collaboration and coordination to tackle these pressing challenges. We assert that the global community must embrace its collective responsibility in addressing issues that are vital to all of humanity.
In the face of numerous challenges, it is encouraging to witness positive strides towards peace in the region. The developments in Turkey aimed at fostering peace represent a significant historical opportunity. We wholeheartedly endorse and support these efforts. This moment presents a chance to enhance stability in the region and to embark on a new era of constructive collaboration that will benefit all nations involved.
Peace embodies strength, and seeking peace is the path of those with strong convictions. In a peaceful environment, there are no losers; everyone stands to gain, and the nations within the region will thrive. The influence of peace surpasses that of all conflicts.
The Kurds and the people of Kurdistan are inherently peaceful. Whenever there has been a hint of peace, the people of Kurdistan has embraced it with optimism. It is essential for every political organization in Kurdistan to recognize and uphold the aspirations of the people of Kurdistan.
It is promising to see that all parties in Kurdistan are united in their call for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue in Syria and have made significant strides toward consolidating their demands. We are hopeful that, in collaboration with the Syrian government, they can create a democratic Syria that upholds the rights of all nations and communities, serving as a pillar of stability for the region. The Syrian government must ensure representation for all communities within the country without bias, safeguarding the rights of everyone.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Kurdistan Region has consistently demonstrated its role as a catalyst for peace and stability, and it is well-positioned to contribute positively to enhancing security and peace in the region. We reiterate our commitment to this role by fostering strong relationships with neighboring nations and the international community, grounded in mutual respect, unity, and shared interests.
We firmly believe in the interdependence of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the surrounding countries in promoting stability and sustainable development across all sectors. Collaborative efforts between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, as well as with neighboring nations, present a significant opportunity to address challenges and achieve peace through diplomacy and dialogue, paving the way for a brighter present and future for the peoples and nations of the region. The advancement of the Kurdistan Region as an integral part of Iraq is contingent upon Iraq's stability, and the progress of the Kurdistan Region serves as a considerable asset for Iraq.
The last century has unequivocally demonstrated that the disregard and rejection of the rights of the Kurds and the people of Kurdistan have led to ongoing conflict, chaos, destruction, suffering, and stagnation in the region.
History has imparted a crucial lesson: the ineffective efforts to erase a nation of millions in the Middle East from its homeland will not foster peace and stability. Instead, such actions will perpetually expose the region to dire consequences and uncertainties.
In light of this painful history, it is imperative that we now address this issue with seriousness. We share this region in a spirit of unity, solidarity, and mutual respect. Let us reach out with gestures of friendship and work towards achieving enduring peace through collaboration and harmonious coexistence. This peace will pave the way for a promising future for both current and future generations of all the peoples in the region, transforming it into a significant hub for the world and humanity.
To achieve this goal, in all nations where Kurds coexist with other ethnic groups—who share a rich history spanning thousands of years—there exist favorable opportunities and conditions. Depending on the specific circumstances, environment, and characteristics of each country, it is essential to address issues through dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful means. This approach will facilitate the resolution of conflicts and foster lasting peace and stability, enabling all communities to collectively embrace a secure and confident future.
The Kurds represent one of the largest ethnic groups in the region. With the establishment of peace, the Kurdish contribution to regional development will be significantly enhanced, leading to greater strength for the countries within the region.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In the Kurdistan Region, we reaffirm our steadfast dedication to the Iraqi Constitution as the foundational framework governing our relationship with the Federal Government in Baghdad. We hold that the constitution, with its core principles of federalism, pluralism, and participation, serves as a genuine safeguard for the rights of all Iraqi communities, free from discrimination.
We thank Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for his efforts, as we have witnessed notable advancements in addressing the challenges between Erbil and Baghdad. Mr. Sudani’s commitment to fostering partnerships and mitigating conflict is a constructive approach. I would like to stress the importance of promptly implementing the law concerning the restitution of property and reactivating the committee responsible for executing Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution.
We remain committed to engaging in productive dialogue with the federal government to achieve a sustainable resolution to all matters, ensuring that the interests of Iraq and all its communities are upheld, while safeguarding the constitutional rights of every individual.
My fellow Kurdistanis,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Given the current circumstances and challenges facing the region, it is imperative for the Kurdistan Parliament to commence its sessions. To this end, the primary responsibility of the KDP, the PUK and the parties that did secure victory in the Kurdistan Parliamentary elections is to expedite the formation of a new cabinet for the Kurdistan Region. This government must meet the expectations of its citizens and effectively address the ongoing developments and challenges.
On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Halabja on the ascension of their city to a province. I assure them that we are committed to seizing this opportunity to serve Halabja and its residents to the best of our abilities.
I wish you all a good day and success.
Thank you.
