Kurdistan Region's President Barzani: Turkey’s Peace Process Must Be Taken Seriously by All Sides
“The peace process in Turkey is a significant opportunity that should be taken seriously by all stakeholders,” Pres Nechirvan Barzani said. “We must not allow this moment to slip away.”
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Friday described the renewed peace process in Turkey as a historic opportunity that must not be wasted, calling on all parties—particularly the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)—to respond seriously and constructively to the recent call by imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.
Barzani made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which kicked off today with the participation of global leaders and senior diplomats.
According to a statement released by the Kurdistan Region Presidency, both leaders discussed the deepening of relations between Turkey, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, with a particular focus on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Development Road Initiative. They emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation based on mutual interests.
Barzani praised Erdoğan’s pivotal role in rekindling efforts toward peace and underscored that the Kurdistan Region stands fully ready to assist in advancing any initiative that leads to de-escalation and long-term political resolution.
“The peace process in Turkey is a significant opportunity that should be taken seriously by all stakeholders,” Barzani said. “We must not allow this moment to slip away.”
PKK should Fully Commit to Peace Path
Referring to the recent statements made by Abdullah Öcalan calling for a transition from armed struggle to political engagement, Kurdistan Region's President Barzani reiterated that the PKK must "return to the spirit and letter of Öcalan’s call" and demonstrate full adherence to its principles.
He emphasized that a sustainable peace requires more than rhetoric—it requires commitment and practical steps. “A peaceful and secure region cannot be built on ambiguity. The PKK has a responsibility to show it is ready for peace,” Barzani stated.
Ankara and Erbil Discuss Regional Stability
During the broader talks, both sides also exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in Syria. President Barzani highlighted the importance of maintaining calm, preventing escalation, and strengthening regional cooperation to avoid further instability.
The Kurdistan Region’s leader expressed hope that diplomatic efforts like the Antalya Forum can play a meaningful role in encouraging dialogue across fault lines. “We continue to believe that diplomacy, not confrontation, must define the next chapter of our region’s history,” he added.
