Today, at the Delphi Economic Forum in Slemani, I spoke about navigating uncertainty through stability, reform, and partnership.
Too often, others speak about our region without speaking to those who live in it. That is why it matters that these conversations are taking place here, in Kurdistan.
In a changing world, stability is our greatest strategic asset. We do not seek to be an arena for conflict, but a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and opportunity.
#DelphiForumSlemani
بمناسبة تعيينه مبعوثاً خاصاً للرئيس ترمب لشؤون العراق، نتقدم بأحر التهاني إلى السيد توم باراك، متمنين له التوفيق والنجاح في مهامه الجديدة.
كما نؤكد استعداد إقليم كُردستان الكامل للتعاون والتنسيق المشترك معه في مواجهة التحديات المشتركة ودعم مسارات الاستقرار والتنمية، ونتطلع إلى العمل معه بما يخدم مصالح العراق ويعزز الأمن والاستقرار في المنطقة.
Today marks the launch of the Raparin Regional Development Agency, an important step toward a more balanced and inclusive economy.
I thank the UK Government @ukinerbil for its partnership in bringing this project to life. Sustainable economic growth cannot be limited to a few major cities. Every district has its own strengths, opportunities, and potential to attract investment, create jobs, and drive development.
We begin in Raparin, with a vision to replicate this model across the Kurdistan Region and ensure that growth and prosperity reach every community.
Two years ago, the “Guardians of Truth” monument was established in Azadi Park to preserve the memory and legacy of martyred journalists who sacrificed their lives in defense of truth and freedom of expression. Today, this monument has evolved into an annual platform to honor courageous, independent and professional journalists across Iraq and Kurdistan who continue to defend free speech, uphold the values of responsible journalism, and stand against intimidation and silence.
Today, we once again affirmed that Slemani is not only a city of freedom, but a steadfast defender of freedom throughout Kurdistan and Iraq.
نبارك للسيد «علي الزيدي» بمناسبة تكليفه بتشكيل الحكومة الجديدة، متمنين له التوفيق والسداد في مهمة تأليف الكابينة الوزارية، بما يسهم في تمكين العراق من تجاوز هذه المرحلة الحساسة التي تمر بها المنطقة.
وإننا، استناداً إلى الدستور، وبالتنسيق المتين الذي يجمعنا مع الحكومة الاتحادية، نتطلع بتفاؤل إلى مستقبل العملية السياسية، وإلى حل جميع القضايا والملفات العالقة بين الحكومة الاتحادية والاقليم.
In my meeting with Maxim Rubin, we emphasized that, despite the current regional instability, the election of the President of Iraq and the appointment of a new Prime Minister represent positive and important steps toward reinforcing Iraq’s political stability.
Met with H.E. Kostis Hatzidakis, Deputy Prime Minister of Greece, to strengthen Kurdistan Region–Greece ties across trade, tourism, health & agriculture. We emphasized the importance of direct flights between Slemani and Athens and I invited him to participate in the next Delphi Forum in Sulaimani.
Pleased to participate in the Delphi Economic Forum for the fourth consecutive year. Building on our engagement—including last year’s forum in Slemani, Kurdistan and Iraq are increasingly seen as promising investment destinations.
Amid regional tensions and economic uncertainty, we are engaging with leaders, entrepreneurs, and global companies to strengthen partnerships and advance sustainable growth for our economy.
The current war has affected the entire region. In my meetings with Yann Braem, Consul General of France, and Tommaso Sansone, Consul General of Italy, I stressed our efforts to keep institutions strong, services uninterrupted, and Kurdistan protected through this difficult period.
إنّ الشعب الكوردي أعظم وأكثر أصالة من أن يتمكن أعداؤها، عبر جرائم الإبادة الجماعية أو التهجير القسري أو طمس الهوية أو أي ممارسات وحشية أخرى، من محوها وإفنائها. فقد شهدت مراحل مختلفة من التاريخ محاولات يائسة للنيل من هوية مكوّنات الشعب الكردي، إلا أنّ تلك الجرائم لم تزد إرادتنا إلا صلابة، بل عززت فينا روح الترابط والإيمان العميق بالمصير المشترك.
وفي الذكرى السادسة والأربعين لحملات الإبادة والتهجير التي تعرّض لها إخوتنا وأخواتنا من الكورد الفيليين، ننحني إجلالاً وإكباراً لأرواح الشهداء والضحايا، ونجدد تأكيدنا على وحدة مصيرنا الذي لا يتجزأ.
The Kurdish people are greater and stronger than any enemy’s attempt to destroy them through genocide, deportation, denial of identity, or any other brutal crime. Throughout different stages of our history, there have been repeated attempts to erase the various communities of our people. Yet these crimes did not weaken us; they strengthened our unity, deepened our sense of solidarity, and reaffirmed our shared destiny.
On the 46th anniversary of the genocide and deportation of the Feyli Kurds, we bow our heads in tribute to the souls of the martyrs and victims and renew our commitment to our common destiny.
In my meeting with Adriaan IJsselstein, Consul General of the Netherlands in the Kurdistan Region @nlinkri, I reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region is not part of this war and that attacks against it are unjustified. Furthermore, I called for urgent international efforts to stop these attacks.
Bridging the gap between education and the labor market remains a key priority. I thank MEED Foundation for helping build stronger coordination between universities and the private sector, with a clear roadmap to equip our youth for jobs and reduce reliance on foreign labor.
سررنا بتلقي اتصال هاتفي من بافل طالباني @Bafeltalabani رئيس حزب الاتحاد الوطني الكردستاني، عبّر خلاله عن دعمه ومساندته لمقاومة شعبنا وقواتنا.
كما يبعث فينا الفخر رؤية أهلنا في السليمانية يخرجون بمظاهرات حاشدة للتعبير عن دعمهم المستمر لنا.
The Kurdish people do not ask the world for protection; we just remind them of history. This is not the first time support has been given to those who opposed the Kurds—only for the world to later realize the harm done. The Ba’athist regime was once supported against the Kurds; the Kurds endured, while the Ba’ath left behind tragedy and crime.