KDP President’s diplomatic legacy, role of Foreign Relations in strengthening the Kurdistan Region

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The sixth session of the Kurdistan Region's Parliament elections holds immense significance for protecting the status and future of the Kurdistan Region.

This importance extends beyond the region’s borders, motivating Kurds abroad to participate in the electoral process, viewing it as their duty to support and shape the future of their homeland.

Since 1992, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has consistently worked to institutionalize the Kurdistan Region's relationships with the outside world, playing a crucial role in building and sustaining these diplomatic ties.

One of the most notable achievements in this endeavor has been the establishment and development of the Foreign Relations Office of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). This institution, particularly under KDP leadership, has played a pivotal role in promoting the Kurdish cause and securing the Kurdistan Region’s status as a recognized legal and constitutional entity in the international community.

The office manages the Kurdistan Region's diplomatic relations with powerful nations across the globe, treating each continent and country with tailored strategies. This daily diplomatic engagement helps solidify the region's standing in international affairs.

A key factor behind this institution's success is the strong foundation that the KDP built during the Kurdish revolution, fostering relationships with countries around the world long before the formal establishment of the KRG.

Safeen Dizayee, the Head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, highlighted this history in a recent interview with Kurdistan24. He noted that during the revolution, the KDP played a vital role in conveying the Kurdish people’s struggle for independence and autonomy to the world through Kurdish students studying abroad.

"There was a solid foundation, and they played a significant role in building relationships in the 70s and 80s. After 1992, it took on another form with the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the introduction of parliamentary elections,” Dizayee said.

This long-standing diplomatic effort has enabled the KDP to foster strong international relationships, especially with Western, European, and regional Arab nations. The party's extensive diplomatic experience has been instrumental in strengthening KRG institutions and elevating the Kurdistan Region's global presence.

Madhat Sleman, a political observer, noted that "President Barzani’s personality had a significant impact on establishing these relations, particularly with Arab countries. Today, the KRG enjoys robust diplomatic ties with both regional countries and global powers such as Europe, Russia, and the West.”

Over the years, numerous presidents and high-ranking officials from powerful nations have visited the Kurdistan Region, ensuring meetings with President Barzani before leaving the territory—an indication of the respect and influence the KDP and the Kurdistan Region have gained on the international stage.

The continued strengthening of the KDP is seen as synonymous with the strengthening of the Kurdistan Region itself, underscoring the importance of diplomatic efforts and the enduring impact of the Foreign Relations Office in safeguarding the region's political and constitutional integrity.

Reporting was done by Kurdistan24's Nawras Abdullah.