Iran’s President Pezeshkian makes historic first visit to Kurdistan Region

ERBIL — Iran’s newly inaugurated president, Masoud Pezeshkian, made a historic first visit to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, marking the first time an Iranian president has visited the Kurdistan Region. Upon his arrival at Erbil International Airport on Thursday morning, he was welcomed by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and the two engaged in initial discussions in the airport’s reception hall.

Pezeshkian’s visit included a significant meeting with key regional leaders, including Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. During the meeting, Nechirvan Barzani highlighted Kurdistan’s desire to deepen its cooperation with Iran. “The people of Kurdistan always look with respect and appreciation at the support and help from Iran during difficult times,” he said.

Pezeshkian echoed Barzani’s sentiments, expressing Iran’s enthusiasm for bolstering ties: “Iran is keen to develop and enhance these relationships in all fields and to remove any obstacles that hinder them.”

The discussions also focused on strengthening economic relations, increasing trade, and ensuring regional security. Both sides affirmed that Kurdistan would not pose a threat to Iran or its neighbors, and they reiterated their commitment to existing security agreements between Iraq and Iran.

In a media huddle following the meeting, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of building on the history of cooperation between Iran and Kurdistan. “We must take advantage of our history of peace and stability,” he said, adding that culturally, economically, and politically, the two sides could support each other in deepening their relationship.

Nechirvan Barzani underscored the importance of the visit, calling it “historic in every sense,” as Pezeshkian is the first Iranian president to visit Erbil. He stressed that this visit marked a crucial step toward addressing mutual challenges.

Kurdistan’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also commented on the visit via X, saying, “We will continue to build on our policy for good-neighborly relations based on mutual respect and interests.”

During his stay, Pezeshkian met with Masoud Barzani, former Kurdistan Region president and leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. The two leaders discussed enhancing political, economic, and cultural ties, and Pezeshkian extended an official invitation for Barzani to visit Iran.

Afterward, Pezeshkian traveled to Sulaymaniyah, where he paid his respects at the grave of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, leaving a message in the guestbook honoring Talabani’s legacy.

Pezeshkian also met with Bafel Talabani, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and other senior PUK officials, including Qubad Talabani. He later took to X, expressing his commitment to “further strengthening relations with Iran.”

Fluent in Kurdish and originally from the Kurdish city of Mahabad in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, Pezeshkian shared his personal connection to the region. “I was born in Sablagh [Mahabad], and Sulaymaniyah feels as familiar and connected as my hometown. It’s truly a pleasure to be here and see how the people live,” he said during an interview.