Erbil, Kurdistan Region
December 17, 2024
A ceremony was held to commemorate Kurdistan Flag Day at the Kurdistan Region Presidency today, during which President Nechirvan Barzani and Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa raised the Kurdistan flag. Following this, the President of the Kurdistan Region addressed the attendees with a speech on the significance of the occasion:
Esteemed relatives of martyrs,
Brave Peshmergas,
Respected Security forces,
My fellow Kurdistanis,
Good day
Happy Kurdistan Flag Day.
I am honored to take part in this ceremony today, celebrating Kurdistan Flag Day alongside the Vice President of the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa. This event holds great significance for the people of Kurdistan. It allows us to pay tribute to a vibrant symbol that embodies our national identity and pride, fostering unity among us despite our diverse backgrounds, as we come together for a noble purpose.
This flag, adorned with vibrant colors and a golden sun, symbolizes the struggles and aspirations of the people of Kurdistan across all their communities. It represents the nation, the glory, the unity, and the shared destiny of all the people of Kurdistan.
When we gaze upon our flag, it embodies the suffering and sacrifices, the glory and pride, the freedom and peace, the renewal and prosperity, as well as the hope and collective struggle of the diverse communities of Kurdistan.
The flag of Kurdistan has persevered through numerous challenges and adversities, upheld by devoted individuals. Consequently, our nation and its people are progressing towards a more promising future, filled with hope and assurance.
My fellow Kurdistanis,
This year, we observe the Kurdistan flag amidst a delicate situation in the region. The ramifications of the ongoing conflict and related events on peace and stability have raised significant concerns. Consequently, it is our collective duty and responsibility to strive for the preservation of peace and stability, which remains a paramount priority for the entire region.
The Kurdistan Region is dedicated to ongoing collaboration with all pertinent stakeholders in Iraq, the surrounding region, and the international community to alleviate tensions. We will collectively strive to enhance dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution that safeguards the rights of all individuals, thereby ensuring a tranquil and stable future for the peoples of the region. The experience of Kurdistan in fostering peaceful coexistence can serve as a model for addressing crises and attaining lasting peace.
Today, the presence of the Kurdistan flag serves as a symbol of our unity. The collaboration among all political parties and communities in Kurdistan, particularly in light of the current regional circumstances, represents our strength and is essential for ensuring stability in the Kurdistan Region. Consequently, it is imperative that we unite our efforts and prioritize the welfare of our people above all other considerations.
We would like to highlight the significance and urgency of expediting the establishment of the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government. It is essential for the political parties to come to a consensus and accomplish this task promptly. In Iraq, we are prepared to collaborate with the federal government to address the issues through dialogue and mutual understanding.
My fellow Kurdistanis,
The flag of Kurdistan symbolizes our collective values that inform our vision and policies aimed at fostering a robust and cohesive civil society.
On this significant occasion, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Kurdistan and the various communities within the Kurdistan Region. We will persist in our efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence, as we hold a strong belief in the importance of dialogue and the respect for unity. The foundations of society are essential to the stability of our nation.
We are dedicated to maintaining the culture of coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic groups. This diversity serves as a foundation of strength, beauty, and pride for the people of Kurdistan. We will continue to advocate for the preservation of the identity of all communities within the Kurdistan Region.
We are committed to promoting freedoms, human rights, equality, and justice, which serve as fundamental principles for the development of any advanced society. Additionally, our objective is to enhance institutions and guarantee the meaningful involvement of communities across all aspects of life.
We remain committed to our pursuit of resolving the issues through dialogue, as this is the sole path to eliminate conflicts and enhance solidarity and unity. Furthermore, we aim to bolster regional and international cooperation, positioning Kurdistan as a model of peace, development, coexistence, and stability.
My fellow Kurdistanis,
In light of the numerous challenges and complexities facing the region, we are confident that through our collective determination and capacity to resolve conflicts, we can contribute to the solution rather than exacerbate the issues. Let us collaborate to uphold peace and serve as a model for fostering stability and mutual cooperation.
We shall hoist the Kurdistan flag and reaffirm our commitment to pursue a promising future. A future where the Kurdistan Region stands as a beacon of hope in the region.
Long live the Kurdistan flag.
May peace rest upon the souls of the martyrs. We honor their sacrifice, and their memory will forever be cherished.
I extend my best wishes for a joyful day to everyone and would like to once again congratulate all on the occasion of Kurdistan Flag Day. A warm welcome to all.
Thank you.