Kurdistan: the Glorious Past and the Exciting Future

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Next photo I wish to see is the TRAITOR Traitor Bafel Talabani being arrested

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Good progress in cabinet formation

The head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party's (KDP) government formation negotiation team said on Monday that talks between political parties to form a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet have seen “very good” progress



“Politically and technically, there is very good progress between KDP, PUK, and most other parties,” Hoshyar Zebari told Rudaw.

“The process needs time for complete understanding and coordination between all parties. So far, everything is proceeding very well,” he added.

The negotiation teams of the ruling KDP and its main rival, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), have met several times since the October 20 parliamentary elections.

The long-overdue polls resulted in a consolidation of power for the KDP which won 39 spots in the 100-seat legislature, followed by the PUK with 23.

No single party won a majority in the parliament, meaning a governing coalition will have to be formed, as has historically been the case. The KDP and PUK, while rivals, also have shared power in government since the establishment of the Kurdistan Region in the nineties.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, who is also a deputy leader of the KDP, and the PUK leader Bafel Talabani met on Thursday to discuss government formation talks.

Zebari said on Friday that the meeting was “frank & constructive.”

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/200120251

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President Barzani congratulates Trump

Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, stating that the Kurdish region "greatly" value its "strong" ties with the US



"We greatly value our strong partnership with the U.S. and look forward to working closely to advance peace, stability, and shared values," said President Barzani on X.

Trump stormed back to the White House and emerged victorious over his Democratic challenger Kamala Harris by securing over the required 270 electoral votes.

He first took office in 2016 in a victory over former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton but lost his re-election campaign to Biden in 2020.

Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States late Monday.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also congratulated Trump

"The Kurdistan-US strategic partnership and the bond among our people and armed forces remains strong," he said on X.

US and Kurdistan enjoy strong relations, with Washington providing financial and military support to Erbil for years

The Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region played a key role in defeating the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2017, with support from the US-led global coalition. This came after three years of the group's reign.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/world/200120251

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Kurdistan's role in stability and development

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivered a speech on Monday on the sidelines of the 55th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting the Kurdistan Region's role in regional stability and economic development

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his satisfaction with the Kurdistan Region's continued participation in the forum. "We are pleased to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos for the second year," he stated.

The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to those involved in establishing the Kurdistan House in Davos, particularly businessman Khalid Khoshnaw, for his efforts in making the venue a hub for advancing the interests of the Kurdish people on the international stage.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Barzani paid tribute to the late Peshraw Dizayee, who was unable to attend last year's forum due to his assassination. "It is appropriate to commemorate our martyred brother, Peshraw, who was supposed to participate with us last year but could not. I am pleased that his son, Roji Peshraw Dizayee, is participating with us this year," he said.

Turning to international relations, Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged the recent swearing-in of US President Donald Trump. "Today is a historic day for the United States. On behalf of all the people of Kurdistan, we congratulate President Trump on his return to the White House.

We look forward to further developing our strategic partnership with the United States to foster peace and stability in the region. We hope for continued support in Iraq, particularly in Kurdistan, to safeguard our region and enhance economic growth."

Addressing the evolving situation in the region, Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Region's commitment to stability and peace amid ongoing developments, particularly in Syria. "There are many important issues at play, and rapid changes are occurring.

We do not wish to become embroiled in conflicts; however, we stand ready to contribute to enhancing stability and security in the region," he stated. He highlighted the Kurdistan Region's diplomatic efforts, noting engagements with neighboring countries to prevent adverse impacts on the region.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the prospects for positive change. "We are committed to being part of the positive developments needed in the region. Efforts are underway in Kurdistan and Syria to align perspectives.

At the invitation of President Barzani, Mazloum Abdi visited Erbil and engaged with Syrian Kurdish parties to demonstrate unity and collectively demand their rights. We hope to reach an agreement with the new regime in Syria that ensures the rights of the Kurdish people in Western Kurdistan," he added.

Moreover, the premier announced that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation returned to Baghdad today. He noted that serious work has been ongoing in Baghdad for several days to secure the financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Iraqi president, ministers, and members of the Iraqi parliament from the Kurdish factions for their cooperation and support.

"We are waiting for the negotiations to be implemented; the issue of financial entitlements of the Kurdistan Region will no longer be a problem between Erbil and Baghdad," he stated. "We should no longer rely solely on salaries as the primary source of income for the people of the Kurdistan Region.

I hope that the private sector will play an important role in developing the economy and economic infrastructure of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Establish beneficial partnerships with international companies to encourage more investment in the Kurdistan Region,” he concluded.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... avos-forum

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President Barzani welcomes decision

to annul Ba'athist resolutions

In a statement issued by Barzani Headquarters on Tuesday, President Barzani acknowledged the importance of the move, noting that it comes after a long period since the fall of the former Iraqi regime

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – President Masoud Barzani has welcomed the Iraqi parliament's recent decision to annul the resolutions issued by the dissolved Ba'ath Leadership Council, describing it as a significant step in restoring justice.

In a statement issued by Barzani Headquarters on Tuesday, President Barzani acknowledged the importance of the move, noting that it comes after a long period since the fall of the former Iraqi regime. He highlighted that the parliamentary decision to "cancel the decisions of the dissolved Ba'athist leadership council" is a vital milestone in addressing historical injustices.

President Barzani commended the Presidency of the Iraqi Parliament, the Kurdish factions in the Iraqi Parliament, and all those who contributed to the bill's passage and approval. He emphasized that the decision serves as a rightful return of privileges to those who were wronged under the Ba'athist regime

Expressing optimism, President Barzani stated that the annulment of the council's decisions could pave the way for correcting past mistakes and injustices that have negatively impacted Iraqi citizens throughout the country's history.

Later President Barzani on social media platform X wrote "What the Iraqi Parliament approved today confirms that: As long as justice prevails, it will prosper; however, if injustice prevails, it will destroy."

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... esolutions

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Kurdistan House in Davos

According to Awara Hawrami, Kurdistan24's correspondent in Davos, the Kurdistan House has become a hub for hosting presidents, leaders, and international delegations

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan House, established under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s initiative, has returned to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos for its second year, creating opportunities for networking, dialogue, and promoting the Kurdistan Region’s economic and cultural potential on the global stage.

Expanding Activities at the Kurdistan House

The Kurdistan House in Davos, inaugurated last year, has expanded its scope in 2025.

According to Awara Hawrami, Kurdistan24's correspondent in Davos, the Kurdistan House has become a hub for hosting presidents, leaders, and international delegations.

Panels featuring Kurdish youth and notable personalities underscore the region’s unique economic and cultural opportunities, intending to attract global attention and investment.

"The Kurdistan House this year is different, with more opportunities created for discussions and networking with leaders of other countries,” Hawrami explained.

These extended activities are intended to improve the Kurdistan Region's global visibility and foster long-term economic partnerships.

Leveraging Informal Meetings for Growth

One of the key features of the WEF is the informal interactions among leaders, which normally lead to meaningful collaborations and partnerships.

The Kurdistan Region, represented by Prime Minister Barzani, intends to capitalize on these opportunities to advocate for trade, investment, and development initiatives.

Last year, such engagements aided Prime Minister Barzani in inviting various leaders to visit the Kurdistan Region, laying the foundation for robust international cooperation.

Contributions to Global Dialogue

The WEF offers a platform for tackling global challenges through dialogue and innovation.

The Kurdistan Region’s effective participation reflects its commitment to contributing to these discussions while expanding its economic and diplomatic interests.

Prime Minister Barzani’s leadership underlines the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) dedication to showcasing the region’s potential and placing it as a valued partner in the global economic and political landscape.

Link to Article - Photos:

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/82 ... engagement