PM Barzani delivers opening speech at Fifth MEPS Forum
"I hope that all the discussions and decisions made during these two days will be valuable resources for decision-makers in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and throughout the region," PM Barzani stated.
Nov. 22, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The fifth Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2024) launched on Friday, at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) in Duhok, with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivering a welcoming address.
In his speech, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his hope for the forum's impact: "I trust that all viewpoints and decisions developed during these two days will be made available to decision-makers in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader region for their benefit and consideration."
Highlighting the forum's growing significance, Barzani noted, "This marks the fifth time this conference has been hosted by the American University in Duhok. I commend the organizers and hope we can continue to expand and enhance this forum in the years ahead."
The Prime Minister also praised AUK's recent achievements: "In less than a decade, the university has reached a significant international milestone by becoming a candidate for New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accreditation. This is a remarkable achievement for a ten-year-old institution."
Addressing the recent parliamentary elections, Barzani expressed gratitude to the Kurdish people: "I must thank the people of Kurdistan for conducting a successful parliamentary election in a Middle East region that faces numerous challenges."
The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including Iraqi President Dr. Latif Rashid, Speaker of Iraqi Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, and former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, along with numerous diplomats and academic experts.
Prime Minister Barzani concluded by expressing his hope that "the outcomes of this forum will serve the interests of all Iraqi people, and we can benefit from its recommendations."
The MEPS forum at AUK has established itself as a crucial platform for regional dialogue and policy discussions in the Middle East. The recent Kurdistan parliamentary elections, mentioned by both President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, marked a significant democratic milestone for the region. AUK's candidacy for NECHE accreditation represents a major step forward for higher education in the Kurdistan Region, reflecting the institution's rapid development since its establishment.
Updated: 11:41 AM, Nov. 22, 2024