پەرلەمانی کوردستان
June 21, 2026
President Nechirvan Barzani attended the fifth graduation ceremony of the 3rd Military College of Qalachwalan in Sulaimani today, joined by Vice President Mustafa Said Qadir, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the Peshmerga Minister and Chief of Staff, the Governor of Sulaimani, senior military, administrative, and political officials, foreign representatives in the Kurdistan Region, and the families of graduates, faculty, and trainers. President Nechirvan Barzani addressed the gathering with the following remarks:
Mr. Qubad Talabani,
Dear Graduates,
Dear attendees,
Good morning,
I extend a warm welcome to you all to the fifth graduation ceremony of officers at the 3rd Military College of Qalachwalan in the beloved city of Sulaimani. This disciplined, organized, and honorable gathering fills us, your families, and the entire people of Kurdistan with immense pride.
Today, we are honored to celebrate the graduation of 210 young, knowledgeable, and capable officers of Kurdistan. These individuals have successfully completed their military, academic, and practical training over the past nine months, marked by hard work and sleepless nights. They are set to join the Ministry of Peshmerga as a new and well-trained force dedicated to enhancing our country's defense system.
It is both commendable and encouraging that you, dear ones, have chosen to pursue military education voluntarily after completing your university studies. This decision reflects your profound loyalty, awareness, and patriotism towards your people.
Your decision has made us, along with your devoted parents, relatives, and colleagues, proud. We extend our best wishes for your success. I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to you and your families on this achievement. May God guide and support you in all your endeavors. We honor the late President Mam Jalal, who, through his directive, founded this college in 1992 to serve Kurdistan and all of Iraq.
Dear Graduates,
The name and essence of the Peshmerga hold immense significance. Peshmerga represents a vital aspect of our national identity. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard this name, this honor, and the proud legacy of the Peshmerga's struggles and sacrifices. This can be achieved by serving within a united, professional, and national force.
In this new era, your responsibilities extend beyond traditional confrontation; you must also embrace the evolving landscape, innovation, and a spirit of creativity.
Incorporating ongoing scientific and professional self-education should be central to your career strategy and future endeavors. As you advance in your future endeavors, it is essential to focus on mastering modern military technologies to stay aligned with global advancements.
You must cultivate a robust sense of national security and remain aware of the threats and challenges surrounding you in every domain. This includes the dangers posed by terrorism, extremism, and hate speech, as well as broader security issues. It is crucial to enhance your awareness in these areas.
In addition to these sacred responsibilities, prioritizing the welfare of the brave peshmerga and enhancing their quality of life will consistently be a key focus of our efforts, as you are entitled to a dignified existence.
Dear Graduates,
You have successfully navigated a significant milestone, yet your duties will expand and become more challenging from this point forward. It is imperative that you emerge as the primary guardians of the principles of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual acceptance within the Peshmerga forces.
The culture we cherish has established the Kurdistan Region as a beacon of peace for all faiths and ethnicities, earning the respect and admiration of the global community.
It is essential to uphold the principles and values of civility, democracy, human rights, and universal freedoms. It is crucial to avoid involvement in political conflicts; instead, act as a national force that protects human dignity without discrimination.
Dear attendees,
Our enduring message to the Kurdistan Region emphasizes the importance of unity, solidarity, and consensus among all political entities, parties, and communities. The strength and resilience of the Kurdistan Region will be guaranteed when we stand together internally and prioritize the nation's highest interests over any conflicts or differences.
Our diversity is a source of strength. All communities in Kurdistan, regardless of their nationality or religion, collectively contribute to the rich identity of this country. This diversity is a remarkable beauty and a powerful asset for Kurdistan.
On this occasion, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the coalition forces led by the United States for their steadfast military support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in combating ISIS, and their assistance in defeating terrorism.
We are grateful for the ongoing commitment and loyalty of our friendly and allied nations, who play a crucial role in the Ministry of Peshmerga's reform process and the unification of the peshmerga forces.
It is acknowledged that positive measures have been implemented, yet we seek further progress and a faster pace in these efforts. The shortcomings of this process need to be rectified. The challenges and disputes within the region necessitate that we accomplish this task sooner, which serves the interests of the Kurdistan region and Iraq as a whole.
We assure all parties that we will persist with determination and resolve to surmount the obstacles and ensure the success of this vital process, as the unity of the Peshmerga stands as the cornerstone and primary principle for safeguarding the constitutional rights and federal status of the Kurdistan Region.
Dear Graduates,
Today, you stand proudly beneath the Kurdistan and Iraqi flags. This symbolizes the reality that the Federal Kurdistan Region, recognized constitutionally and legitimately, is an integral constitutional, legal, and foundational component of the Federal Iraqi State.
Consequently, the federal government in Baghdad is obligated to fulfill all its legal and constitutional responsibilities toward the Peshmerga, particularly by providing arms, ammunition, and all necessary military resources, because the peshmerga serves as the protector of peace, security, and stability throughout Iraq. This obligation is outlined in the Constitution.
The future of the Kurdistan Region and of Iraq is closely linked; we share the same aspirations, challenges, and fate. We in the Kurdistan Region are eager to collaborate with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's government to foster prosperity and advancement for all of Iraq, without discrimination, grounded in the constitution, mutual respect, and authentic national partnership.
Our national and peaceful approach aligns with the newly optimistic circumstances arising both in our region and globally. We in the Kurdistan Region have welcomed the resolution of tensions and conflict between the United States and Iran, and we hope it ends through agreement, dialogue, and diplomacy.
We emphasize that the Kurdistan Region will continue to serve as a beacon of peace and a bridge of trust within the region. We have made efforts and will persist in ensuring that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region do not take part in conflicts in this region in which we reside.
We aim to consistently be part of the solution and to contribute to strengthening peace, stability, progress, and prosperity. We seek to identify areas of mutual interest and cooperate accordingly.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to the dean, trainers, educators, and supervisors of the 3rd Military College of Qalachwalan, who have played a vital and honorable role in educating the youth of Kurdistan and ensuring the success of this military course. I extend my gratitude to you.
We honor the memory of the martyrs of Kurdistan, whose sacrifices have allowed us to witness a free Kurdistan and partake in these ceremonies. We reflect on the martyrs who gave their lives for our ability to assemble here in peace today. Our heartfelt greetings and respect go to the martyrs and our brave wounded. We extend our greetings, respect, and love to them, wishing them a swift recovery.
Congratulations to you and your families. As you embark on this new chapter filled with duties and responsibilities, I wish you great success, longevity, and prosperity. May God support you throughout your journey in life.
Thank you very much.
