US Consul General in Kurdistan Region Extends Warm Newroz Greetings
“In the spirit of Newroz, let us reaffirm our dedication to building a better future,” he added, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – As the vibrant flames of Newroz illuminate Kurdistan, symbolizing freedom, renewal, and resilience, the United States Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Steve Bitner, has extended heartfelt greetings to the Kurdish people, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to a shared prosperous future.
In a video message released on Thursday, Bitner, speaking in Kurdish, expressed his pleasure at being in the Kurdistan Region during Newroz, an ancient festival marking the arrival of spring and a new beginning for millions.
“I am happy to be here in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for this joyous festival, signifying the arrival of spring and celebrating new beginnings,” he stated.
The Consul General underscored the significance of this occasion, not only as a cultural festivity but as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Kurdish people. “In the spirit of Newroz, let us reaffirm our dedication to building a better future,” he added, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
Newroz, celebrated across the Middle East and Central Asia, carries deep historical and cultural roots. For the Kurdish people, it transcends mere festivity; it embodies the ideals of freedom, resistance against oppression, and the triumph of hope. The festival is observed annually with grand celebrations in all Kurdish cities and towns, where people don traditional Kurdish attire, gather around towering bonfires, and engage in music, dance, and other cultural activities that have been passed down through generations.
This year, a major official ceremony took place in Akre, a city renowned for its spectacular Newroz celebrations. The event featured the ceremonial lighting of the Newroz fire, alongside various performances and cultural displays that highlight the rich heritage of the Kurdish people.
The Newroz celebrations serve not only as a joyous commemoration of the new year but also as a powerful expression of Kurdish identity and unity.
The US Consul General’s message reflects the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. As the Kurdish people usher in the new year with flames of hope and determination, the commitment to mutual cooperation and a shared vision for stability and progress remains steadfast.
