President Barzani Marks French National Day Amid Strong Erbil-Paris Ties
President Masoud Barzani joined French officials in Erbil to mark Bastille Day, celebrating France’s historic values and reaffirming the deep Kurdish-French partnership spanning politics, culture, and defense—from no-fly zones to Peshmerga support and economic ties.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – President Masoud Barzani on Monday joined French officials in Erbil to celebrate French National Day, an event that not only marked a pivotal moment in French history but also underscored the deep and enduring partnership between the Kurdistan Region and France.
Barzani Headquarters announced that President Barzani attended the commemoration ceremony this evening, Monday, July 14, 2025. The event, organized by the French Consulate General in Erbil, was held at the Rotana Hotel and was attended by a significant number of local and foreign guests. During the ceremony, President Barzani personally congratulated the Consul General of France in Erbil, Yann Braem.
French National Day, widely known as Bastille Day, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789. The event was a turning point in the French Revolution and has come to symbolize the fight against oppression and the birth of the modern French republic, founded on the values of "Liberté, égalité, fraternité" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
The relationship between the Kurdish people and France is one of historical significance and multi-faceted cooperation.
Politically, Paris has long been a steadfast ally. The bond was famously championed by France’s former First Lady, Danielle Mitterrand, often called the "Mother of the Kurds" for her tireless advocacy. France played a crucial role in establishing the UN-backed no-fly zone in 1991, which protected the nascent Kurdistan Region and was vital for its survival.
This support was renewed and fortified during the war against ISIS. France was a key member of the Global Coalition and one of the first Western nations to provide military aid and arms to the Peshmerga forces. Former French President François Hollande visited Erbil twice during the conflict, demonstrating Paris's solidarity at the highest level.
Beyond the political and military spheres, the Franco-Kurdish bond extends to cultural and economic ties.
The French Institute in Erbil actively promotes cultural exchange and language education, while French archaeological missions have been instrumental in uncovering the rich history of the Kurdistan Region. Economically, major French companies, including the energy giant TotalEnergies and the retail group Carrefour, have a significant presence, reflecting strong investor confidence in the region.
The annual celebration in Erbil, therefore, serves as more than a diplomatic courtesy; it is a reaffirmation of a multi-layered alliance built on shared values, mutual respect, and a long history of standing together in times of critical need.
