Kirkuk Governor Congratulates KDP on 80th Anniversary, Calls for Kurdish-Turkmen Cooperation
Iraqi Turkmen Front leader Mohammed Samaan Agha praises KDP’s role in Iraq’s political process and stresses partnership and coexistence in Kirkuk
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kirkuk Governor and Iraqi Turkmen Front leader Mohammed Samaan Agha on Saturday congratulated the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its leadership on the party’s 80th anniversary, calling for greater political dialogue, partnership and cooperation among Iraq’s Kurdish, Turkmen and Arab communities.
In a statement marking the anniversary of the KDP’s founding on August 16, Samaan Agha extended his congratulations to the party’s leadership, particularly President Masoud Barzani, as well as its members and supporters, wishing them continued success.
He described the anniversary as an important milestone in Iraq’s political history and an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of strengthening dialogue and understanding among the country’s political forces.
Samaan Agha stressed the need to uphold the principles of partnership and balance, respect the constitution and state sovereignty, and guarantee the legitimate rights of all components of Iraqi society, particularly the Turkmen community.
“The current stage requires unifying efforts, prioritizing national interests and strengthening cooperative relations among Turkmen, Kurdish and Arab political forces,” he said, according to the statement.
He said such cooperation would contribute to protecting Iraq’s unity and stability while advancing the aspirations of its people.
Focus on Kirkuk coexistence
Addressing the situation in Kirkuk, Samaan Agha emphasized the importance of preserving the spirit of brotherhood and coexistence among Turkmen, Kurds, Arabs and other communities in the province.
He called for joint efforts to ensure Kirkuk remains a model of genuine partnership, justice and balance, while safeguarding the rights of all its residents and preserving the province’s national character.
Samaan Agha concluded by renewing his congratulations to the KDP, its leadership, members and supporters, while wishing Iraq and its people continued security, stability and prosperity.
KDP’s Political Legacy and Role in Iraq
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) was founded on August 16, 1946, by Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani and has since become one of the most influential political forces in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The party has played a central role in the Kurdish political movement and in shaping the Kurdistan Region’s political institutions, with Masoud Barzani serving as its president.
Over the decades, the KDP has remained a major actor in Kurdish-Iraqi relations and Iraq’s broader political landscape.