President Nechirvan Barzani: Kurds have always pursued peace with hope

SULAYMANIYAH — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized the importance of regional dialogue and cooperation Wednesday in addressing ongoing geopolitical and environmental challenges.

Speaking at the ninth Sulaimani Forum, hosted by the American University of Iraq–Sulaimani, Barzani praised the city of Sulaymaniyah as “a beacon of cultural and intellectual light and a stronghold of patriotism,” highlighting its historic role in Kurdish political and cultural discourse.

Barzani said the annual forum has become “an important platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on regional and international issues,” expressing confidence that this year’s gathering would “enrich dialogue and offer forward-thinking perspectives for addressing challenges.”

He cited the situations in Ukraine and Gaza, intensifying global economic competition, and climate change as significant developments reshaping international relations, visibly affecting Iraq and the broader Middle East.

“We are witnessing climate-related disruptions that threaten food security, increase migration, and raise security risks,” Barzani said. “These impacts are clearly visible in many areas of Iraq, where thousands have been forced to leave their homes due to water scarcity.”

Addressing solutions, Barzani underscored the Kurdistan Region’s strong support for multilateral cooperation.

“We believe strongly in the importance of coordination and international partnership in confronting these challenges,” he said.

He welcomed recent peace initiatives, specifically highlighting developments in Turkey.

“It is a source of happiness that we are witnessing a growing tendency toward peace in the region,” Barzani said. “What we are seeing now in Turkey regarding peace is a historic opportunity. In every way, we reaffirm our support for its advancement. This is a chance to strengthen stability in the region and open a new page of foundational cooperation that will benefit the entire area.”

“Peace is strength, and peacemaking is the approach of those who are strong,” Barzani added. “In peace, no one is destroyed. The power of peace is greater than that of all wars.”

“The Kurds and the people of Kurdistan, in general, are peace-loving. Whenever and wherever there has been an opening for peace, the people of Kurdistan have always pursued it with hope,” Barzani continued. “Everyone and every political organization should believe in the approach and desire of the people of Kurdistan.”

On Syria, Barzani expressed satisfaction that Kurdish parties were united in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue.

“We hope that the Kurdish parties, together with the Syrian government, can establish a democratic Syria that accommodates all peoples and components, becoming a source of stability for the region,” he said. “The Syrian government must treat all the country’s communities equally and ensure the rights of all are protected without discrimination.”