Head of KRG Department of Foreign Relations highlights strengthening UK-Kurdistan Region ties
Dizayee opened his remarks with warm birthday wishes for King Charles III, expressing hope for the monarch’s continued good health and happiness.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Safeen Dizayee, head of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations, represented the KRG at the 75th birthday celebration of King Charles III on Thursday, delivering a speech that highlighted the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and the Kurdistan Region.
Dizayee opened his remarks with warm birthday wishes for King Charles III, expressing hope for the monarch’s continued good health and happiness. He also commemorated the upcoming Remembrance Day, underscoring shared respect for those who have sacrificed their lives for peace.
"On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, hostilities ceased," he reflected, honoring the UK tradition of remembering fallen soldiers. "We, too, honor and remember them. We also remember and honor our brave Peshmerga who have sacrificed their lives for humanity, not only for the protection of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq but globally." Dizayee praised the Peshmerga forces' contributions to global security, a feat he attributed in part to the support of international allies, including the UK.
In his speech, Dizayee celebrated the diplomatic progress between the UK and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing recent advances in economic, trade, and cultural exchanges. A notable milestone in this relationship was the recent visit of King Charles' Economic Commissioner to the Kurdistan Region, where a strategic roadmap was signed, aiming to foster business, health, education, and further areas of cooperation.
Dizayee pointed out the significance of British educational institutions, including the University of London and British International University, gaining recognition in the Kurdistan Region. He described the move as a “positive step” for academic ties, signaling a robust educational partnership that he hopes will continue to flourish.
To further enhance cultural and educational ties, Dizayee publicly called on the British Council to renew its involvement in the Kurdistan Region. “Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Consul General, please consider re-engaging the British Council,” he appealed, noting the Council’s previously impactful role in academia and cultural initiatives.
The celebration underscored the strengthening bond between the UK and the Kurdistan Region, marked by mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to deepening cooperation. Concluding his speech, Dizayee once again extended heartfelt birthday wishes to King Charles III, marking the occasion as a memorable chapter in UK-Kurdistan Region relations.