پەرلەمانی کوردستان
Munich, Germany
February 16, 2025
President Nechirvan Barzani wrapped up his visit to Germany after attending the Munich Security Conference on Sunday. During a press conference, the President addressed the key points of his trip and the discussions held in Munich. The following is a readout of his remarks.
The President said:
"We attend the Munich Security Conference annually. For the Kurdistan Region, attending these conferences provides a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions regarding global developments, with a particular focus on our region. This year, we took part in the conference, where we engaged in numerous discussions and meetings. We articulated the perspectives of the Kurdistan Region concerning security and stability issues in the region, while also considering the viewpoints of other participants on the various global developments, especially those affecting our region."
In response to questions regarding the procedures for establishing the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the visit of the Imrali delegation to the Kurdistan Region, President Nechirvan Barzani stated:
"We are engaged in serious discussions, and the delegations from both parties are actively negotiating the formation of the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government. We have conducted multiple meetings with both sides and remain optimistic about the outcomes. These discussions have primarily focused on how we can collaborate effectively, the implications of our partnership in governance, and the ways in which we can manifest that partnership. We have made significant progress and anticipate finalizing these discussions soon, after which we will convene again to address the distribution of positions among the PUK, KDP, and other parties involved in the Kurdistan Regional Government.”
Regarding the visit of the delegation to Imrali (Dem Party), the President said: “Those who traveled to Imrali and are currently in Erbil have met with H.E. President Masoud Barzani, and I will meet with them in Erbil tomorrow morning. They arrived in Erbil bearing a message from Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, and subsequently, they will travel to Sulaymaniyah. We are eager to understand the content of their message, which we hope will convey themes of peace and stability for Turkey. The message is expected to be directed primarily towards the PKK, and we are hopeful that Mr. Ocalan will advocate for peace. We trust that the PKK will respond positively to Mr. Ocalan's message."
In reference to his evaluation of the meeting with the US Secretary of State, marking the highest-level engagement by an Iraqi official with senior members of the Trump administration, the President stated that he aimed to leverage his robust relationships to bridge the perspectives of Erbil and Baghdad. He remarked, “We have underscored the importance of Iraq as a stabilizing force in the region, expressing our desire to contribute to the mitigation of escalating issues. Additionally, we have extended an invitation to the US Secretary of State to attend the inauguration of the new US Consulate in Erbil.”
In addressing another inquiry regarding the situation in Syria during his meetings, President Nechirvan Barzani remarked:
"The Syrian situation has consistently been a focal point of our discussions in all our meetings. It is indeed gratifying for everyone that an oppressive regime, which has long subjugated the people, is no longer in power. What is paramount for the Kurdistan Region is our desire for stability for the Syrian people. The Syrian people are entitled to a better quality of life. We are hopeful that the new administration, particularly President Ahmed al-Sharia, will play a crucial role in stabilizing Syria and alleviating the suffering of its citizens. It is essential to recognize that Syria is home to a multitude of communities. The most critical step forward is to engage all stakeholders, meaning all communities within Syria. Our guidance to our Kurdish brothers has been clear: they must approach Damascus in unity. Our collective experience in the Kurdistan Region, particularly our unified approach to Baghdad post-2003, has proven to be successful. They (Kurds in Syria) should view the new Syria as theirs. It is important not to wait for an invitation from Damascus; rather, it is important for them to confidently claim their entitlement to the emerging Syria. This Syria belongs to them, and Damascus is their capital. We have urged them to actively participate in the Syrian political process without delay. We trust that the new government, especially the new Syrian leader, will acknowledge Syria's diversity and strive to include all communities in shaping the future of the nation. We wish for a prosperous life and a bright future for the Syrian people, encompassing all its communities. We stand ready to fulfill our role in this endeavor. Additionally, we have engaged with the Syrian Foreign Minister on this matter, reiterating our commitment to being a stabilizing force and our readiness to assist in fostering greater stability in Syria."
Concerning the apprehension that the new United States may pose a threat to the Kurdistan Region, the President of the Kurdistan Region remarked: "A new United States has emerged, which is a most commendable characterization. The statements made by the US president are unequivocal in expressing his desire to contribute to security and stability in the region, aiming to resolve conflicts globally. We should embrace the initiatives proposed by the US president, as Mr. Trump has articulated a commitment to ending wars and fostering the peace that is urgently needed worldwide. The manner in which he implements these initiatives is a separate issue; however, the principles he advocates and his convictions warrant our respect and support, particularly regarding the cessation of wars and the establishment of peace. We do not harbor fear and regard the United States as our ally, while also recognizing Iraq's potential to play a significant role in promoting stability throughout the region.”
In response to inquiries regarding his discussions with the Turkish and US foreign ministers on the peace process in the region, as well as whether he had communicated with President Trump about the importance of not withdrawing from Syrian Kurdistan, the President stated: “We have engaged in discussions concerning this matter with the Turkish Foreign Minister. The outcome hinges on the delegation that has arrived in the Kurdistan Region and the anticipated statement from Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, which I expect will be made by the end of this month. It is crucial for the PKK to seriously consider Mr. Ocalan's forthcoming call, and I hope that this message will be conveyed promptly, ideally by the month's end. We are optimistic that the PKK will respond positively to Mr. Ocalan's appeal. This topic has been a focal point of our conversations with the Turkish Foreign Minister and has remained a consistent subject over the past several months. Regarding our compatriots in Syria, we have felt a sense of responsibility from the outset. We have undertaken significant efforts to avert any adverse developments in Syria, prioritizing the protection of our brethren there. We made it clear to the Foreign Minister that a critical issue remains: the resurgence of ISIS. From the perspective of the Kurdistan Region, we continue to regard ISIS as a security threat to Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Syria. We believe that Iraq as a whole still requires the presence of international forces. This is the stance of the Kurdistan Region. We do not consider it an appropriate time for coalition forces to withdraw from Iraq, as the country is in a unique situation and requires assistance. While we may hold differing opinions from Baghdad, our position is that the entirety of Iraq necessitates the support of coalition forces. This has been a recurring theme in our discussions with the US Secretary of State, where we have underscored the importance of stabilizing Iraq. Fortunately, the situation in Iraq has improved, and we observe advancements in the economy and ongoing projects. When asked about the current challenges in Iraq, I identified traffic congestion as the most significant issue at present.”
In reference to communicating with President Trump concerning Syrian Kurdistan, he stated: “Indeed, during our discussion about the withdrawal of US forces, I mentioned not only Iraq but particularly Syria."
In addressing another inquiry regarding the status of the Peshmerga and coalition forces in Iraq during his discussions with defense ministers from various nations, the President remarked:
"We are fortunate that coalition nations are engaged in a reform initiative for the Peshmerga forces. Although the pace of this process may be gradual and the progress slow, there is a genuine reform effort underway within the Peshmerga. We have observed the commitment of the Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government and all participating parties, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and the United States, who are all dedicated to achieving the unification of the Peshmerga forces."
President Nechirvan Barzani commented on the concept of federalism as a potential solution to the Kurdish issue in Syria and addressed the possibility of his future visit to Syria:
“Each region possesses its unique characteristics when considering federalism as a potential solution. I do not believe that the existing model in Iraq concerning the Kurdish issue can be directly applied to Syria. If we are to advocate for a specific framework, it should emphasize dialogue with the authorities in Damascus. I urge our compatriots in Syria to approach Damascus as equals rather than as guests. We hold Syria in high regard and have frequently visited various cities, including Qamishli, Aleppo, and Damascus. Those memories remain vivid, and we aspire to reunite with our people in Qamishli, Aleppo, Afrin, and other regions in the future.”
President Nechirvan Barzani affirmed that the Kurdistan Region maintains a positive relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran:
"Our relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are indeed strong. As a neighboring country, our economic ties and overall relations with Iran are advancing well. In the Kurdistan Region, we adhere to a principle of non-interference in Iran's internal matters. We have consciously refrained from meddling in their domestic affairs, which is our policy. We anticipate that they will also respect our sovereignty and refrain from interfering in the internal matters of the Kurdistan Region, allowing our relationship to thrive on the foundation of mutual respect."
