President Barzani Reaffirms Kurdistan's Commitment to Peace in Meeting with UK, EU Delegation
The UK and EU delegations commended the peaceful coexistence of the Region’s diverse ethnic and religious communities and expressed firm support for the Kurdish people's legitimate aspirations.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a show of international solidarity, President Masoud Barzani on Monday welcomed a high-level joint delegation of parliamentarians from the United Kingdom and the European Parliament at his residence in Pirmam. The meeting underscored the growing global recognition of the Kurdistan Region’s stability, pluralism, and enduring quest for peace in a volatile Middle East.
The delegation, which included representatives from both the British and European legislative bodies, praised the Kurdistan Region’s achievements over the past three decades, including its steadfast commitment to peace, economic development, and democratic governance.
They commended the peaceful coexistence of the Region’s diverse ethnic and religious communities and expressed firm support for the Kurdish people's legitimate aspirations.
President Barzani welcomed the delegation with warmth and gratitude, offering a concise yet powerful account of the suffering and resilience that has defined the Kurdish struggle. He recounted the long history of catastrophes endured by the people of Kurdistan, including genocide, forced displacement, and systemic repression. However, he emphasized that despite such adversity, the Kurdish people have remained committed to the principles of reconciliation, dignity, and coexistence.
The President particularly highlighted the Kurdistan Region’s constructive stance on peace processes in the broader region, noting its continued advocacy for peaceful solutions over violence. Referring to the peace process in Türkiye, Barzani said that any opportunity for dialogue should be embraced and that violence should never be seen as an acceptable alternative.
President Barzani further reflected on the culture of coexistence that characterizes life in the Kurdistan Region, describing it as a deeply rooted cultural value and a moral strength. He thanked Western countries, particularly the United States and European nations, for their historical support during the most difficult periods of Kurdish suffering and resistance. He also called on Europe to deepen its partnership with the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the fields of reform, reconstruction, agriculture, education, science, and technology.
The meeting also featured a wide-ranging dialogue, during which the visiting delegation posed several questions to President Barzani regarding the current political situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the status of the Kurdish cause in the Middle East, and the future of Kurds within a rapidly shifting regional landscape. President Barzani responded with clarity, offering insight into the enduring aspirations of the Kurdish people and the importance of continued international support.
The visit by the UK and EU delegation comes at a time of renewed diplomatic engagement between the Kurdistan Region and European capitals and signals a broader commitment to building lasting partnerships based on shared values of peace, tolerance, and democratic governance.
As Kurdistan continues to assert itself as a stabilizing force and reliable partner in the Middle East, Monday's meeting served as a reminder of the international community's interest in its experience and future. For the people of Kurdistan, it was also a reaffirmation that their cause—rooted in justice, peace, and self-determination—continues to resonate far beyond their borders.
