Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

President Nechirvan Barzani’s Newroz message

2026-03-20T13:00:00.000000Z
News Congratulatory messages

March 20, 2026

My fellow Kurds and Kurdistanis around the world,

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, the esteemed families of the martyrs, the valiant Peshmergas, and all members of the security forces on the occasion of Newroz and the Kurdish New Year. It is my sincere hope that this holiday brings peace, solace, and joy to all.

Newroz is a profound expression of a history marked by struggle and stories of resistance, reflecting a nation that has always resisted oppression with a strong will and has never surrendered. Newroz is a symbol of the defeat of darkness and the renewal of life. It stands as a historical truth that no force or weapon can extinguish the fire of freedom in the souls of the Kurds.

Today, the flame of Newroz serves as a constant reminder for us to remain resilient, confront challenges, and strengthen solidarity and unity. It embodies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our constitutional accomplishments in the spirit of Newroz, ensuring the preservation of federalism and the political framework of the Kurdistan Region, which are the result of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and our long struggle.

As we welcome spring and celebrate Newroz this year, our region finds itself in a delicate and complex situation. The threats of war and its repercussions are ever-present. It is essential that we act with a sense of historical responsibility to confront these challenges in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Peace, and the pursuit of it, are among our most significant assets, and it is only through stability that we can build a brighter future.

In our discussions with the Iraqi Federal Government, we welcome positive developments while emphasizing the need for greater cooperation and coordination between Erbil and Baghdad. It is crucial to implement the constitution and the federal system, as well as to safeguard the rights of all communities, which is the sole assurance of a strong and stable Iraq. We in the Kurdistan Region will continue to be a source of peace and stability, extending a hand of understanding and friendship to all.

My fellow Kurdistanis,

I urge you to prioritize your safety and that of your families and loved ones during your outings and celebrations. In these challenging times, as our region faces a complex situation with the serious consequences of war, it is essential for everyone to exercise greater caution.

It is essential to follow traffic regulations and the guidance of the relevant authorities, ensuring that this holiday is celebrated in a peaceful and safe manner, free from any disturbances that could diminish the spirit of Newroz. Safeguarding the environment and the natural beauty of Kurdistan is a national responsibility and a reflection of our civilization, which we must uphold.

Wishing a joyful Newroz to all nations celebrating this holiday. May God protect you all, our nation, and our country. May peace, tranquility, and security prevail across our region and throughout the world.

Wishing you a joyful Newroz and a prosperous year.

Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region