Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF

An independent forum for high-level dialogue on the strategic future of the Middle East, connecting regional leaders and global perspectives from Sulaimaniyah.

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

Day 2 at the Slemani Strategic Forum 2026 !

We’re live for Day 2 of the Slemani Strategic Forum 2026!

Watch live on Youtube : Live from Slemani. Watch Day 2 of the Slemani Strategic Forum as regional and international voices come together to discuss the region’s future.

Watch on YouTube:
https://t.co/7XKCRBuCFj

Join the discussion on X using #SSF26Slemani
Strategic Forum | #SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

#SSF26 #SlemaniStrategicForum

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

Highlights from our panel "Securing the Gulf: Diplomacy, Economics and Strategic Assurance", exploring how regional powers and international partners can navigate shifting alliances and build lasting prosperity at the Slemani Strategic Forum.

12–13 November 2026

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Despite the Anfal campaign, bombardment, and the destruction of 3,000 villages, we managed to unite through the Kurdish Front, which ultimately led to the 1991 uprising. History proves that even deep political differences can be managed when Kurdistan comes first.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“I believe Kurdistan is facing its biggest political crisis since 2003. Trust between the parties is at its weakest point. We must learn to accept one another, find collective solutions, and take shared responsibility.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“I believe Kurdistan is facing its biggest political crisis since 2003. Trust between the parties is at its weakest point. We must learn to accept one another, find collective solutions, and take shared responsibility.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“If we put Kurdistan first, everything else becomes easier to manage. Unfortunately, what we see today is personal interests being placed ahead of Kurdistan. That mentality and political culture must change.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Syria’s Kurds, Druze, Alawites, and Sunnis must all be part of the solution. This can only be achieved through dialogue, not military force. As Kurds, we know from experience that military solutions have achieved nothing.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“The Kurds in Syria have sacrificed enormously, losing more than 18,000 martyrs in the fight against terrorism. They fought to preserve international peace and security, and their sacrifices cannot be ignored.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“The peace process in Turkey is a dialogue between Kurds and Turks about how they can coexist within one country. It should not be labelled as President Erdoğan’s or the PKK’s process, as this risks undermining it. The military approach has failed, costing thousands of lives without resolving the conflict.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Head of the Relations Bureau

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[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“One of the PUK’s priorities is to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the historical Kurdish opposition parties. We have tried different approaches over the past 40 to 50 years, but the results have been atrocities and killings. Sincere dialogue is the only way forward.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Between 1991 and 2003, when the Kurdistan Region exercised a form of semi-autonomous authority, Iranian Kurdish opposition groups respected our circumstances. They even withdrew from positions near the Iranian border to avoid creating difficulties for us.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“We have a long history of solidarity with Kurdish opposition groups in Iran. From the Republic of Mahabad in 1946 to the struggles following the Iranian Revolution, Kurdish revolutionaries on both sides of the border have supported one another, often sacrificing their lives.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Iraq shares approximately 1,400 kilometers of border with Iran, including 489 kilometers along the Kurdistan Region. Historically, we have been deeply interconnected, and these geographical and historical ties cannot be ignored.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“For decades, the Kurdish people’s voices were not heard by the international community because of Iraq’s strategic importance in the region. As a result, we suffered atrocities, including the Anfal campaign, chemical bombardment, displacement, and the destruction of our villages.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Our history of resistance and struggle has taught us the importance of bringing the Kurdish people’s voice to the international community. As the PUK, we proudly say that engagement and dialogue are at the heart of our political approach.”

Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Member of the Political Bureau of the PUK and Head of the Relations Bureau

#SSF26

[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“What you are doing here in Slemani is bringing people together in a way that technology cannot. You are creating opportunities for us to communicate directly and build relationships that can last for generations.”

Dr. Greg Mills, Member of the Advisory Board, RUSI – The Royal United Services Institute

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[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Slemani has a rich historical and cultural heritage and represents a place of dialogue and inspiration. Living amid difficult regional realities teaches us how to adapt, survive and build the capabilities needed to move forward.”

Adalberto Costa Júnior, President of UNITA and Leader of the Opposition, Angola

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[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“Angola and Kurdistan share similar experiences. Both have endured conflict, possess significant oil and gas resources, and have worked to overcome difficult circumstances. We can learn from each other’s successes and challenges.”

Adalberto Costa Júnior, President of UNITA and Leader of the Opposition, Angola

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[Slemani Strategic Forum | SSF @slemanisf]

“We have invited international observers, including the European Parliament and the Carter Center, to monitor Angola’s 2027 elections. Their presence is essential to ensuring greater freedom, transparency, and democratic credibility.”

Adalberto Costa Júnior, President of UNITA and Leader of the Opposition, Angola

#SSF26