December 17, 2025
President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the ceremony marking Kurdistan Flag Day, held at the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
During the ceremony, the President delivered the following speech:
My fellow Kurdistanis,
Esteemed families of fallen heroes,
Courageous Peshmerga,
Happy Kurdistan Flag Day to you all.
As we commemorate Kurdistan Flag Day today, it signifies more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the emblem that represents our identity, history, struggles, and aspirations for freedom and a dignified life.
The flag of Kurdistan symbolizes the identity and unity of the people of Kurdistan and serves as a living testament to the enduring journey of patience and resilience our people have undertaken. During the most challenging times of struggle, whether on mountain peaks or in cities and villages, your children hoisted this flag, defending their people’s right to survival and life with their blood and their efforts.
Today, we take pride in seeing this flag proudly displayed on the institutions of the Kurdistan Region, in educational establishments, hospitals, and community centers. It stands as evidence of the victory achieved through the sacrifices of the martyrs, the dedication of the Peshmerga, and the steadfast resistance of the people of Kurdistan across all communities.
Dear people of Kurdistan,
On Flag Day, our message is clear: the strength of Kurdistan lies in our unity. This flag unites us all, regardless of our political, religious, or ethnic beliefs. Under the embrace of this flag, we must work together to build a stable Kurdistan for all nations, religions, and communities, and to strengthen it in the face of challenges.
True loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs and victims of the people of Kurdistan is demonstrated not through slogans alone, but by safeguarding our achievements, strengthening the rule of law, building strong institutions, and better serving the citizens of the Kurdistan Region.
Dear youth of Kurdistan,
The flag of Kurdistan represents not only our history, but also our aspirations for the future. It is a beacon of hope for you all. Our nation needs your intellect, energy, creativity, and vision. The reconstruction of Kurdistan will be driven by knowledge, dedication, a strong economy, and social harmony.
As we proudly raise our flag, we also reaffirm our commitment to a constitutional partnership within a federal and democratic Iraq. We want this flag to always symbolize peace, dialogue, coexistence, and good neighborly relations. Kurdistan will continue to be a pillar of stability and a bridge of understanding.
On this sacred day, we honor the martyrs of Kurdistan who colored this flag with their blood.
We extend our greetings and respect to our valiant Peshmerga, the guardians of this land and this flag.
We pledge to always protect our unity and achievements, and to ensure that the Kurdistan flag remains high and radiant.
Long live the sacred flag of Kurdistan.
Thank you very much.