UN Special Envoy Praises Kurdistan Region’s Stability
Highlighting the Kurdistan Region as a model of progress, al-Hassan said, “Anyone who comes to the Kurdistan Region can feel that it is a stable, prosperous, and vibrant part of Iraq. There is international investment here precisely because there is stability.”
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Mohamed al-Hassan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), praised the Kurdistan Region’s stability, openness, and leadership during an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 on Thursday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Sulaimani Forum, al-Hassan described his first visit to the city as a "pleasure," commending both its beauty and the hospitality of its people. "Sulaimani is a very beautiful place. The people of Sulaimani are generous and talented," he said.
Al-Hassan emphasized the United Nations’ long-standing partnership with Iraq, reaffirming the UN's commitment to supporting the country even after UNAMI’s mandate concludes at the end of 2025. “Iraq is a founding member of the United Nations. Our relationship will continue, albeit in a different context—more through the UN’s specialized agencies, which is what Iraq has requested,” he said. “It’s about what Iraq wants and needs, and we at the United Nations will respect that.”
Highlighting the Kurdistan Region as a model of progress, al-Hassan said, “Anyone who comes to the Kurdistan Region can feel that it is a stable, prosperous, and vibrant part of Iraq. There is international investment here precisely because there is stability.”
He also applauded the Kurdistan Region's leadership, singling out figures such as President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Qubad Talabani, and Bafel Talabani, for their commitment to peace and development. “Some of the leaders I have met here are among the most educated, enlightened, and peace-driven individuals,” al-Hassan said.
Al-Hassan also addressed regional dynamics and climate change, stressing the importance of cooperation. “Climate change is not a problem for one country—it’s a global issue. What happens in one country affects others. We, at the United Nations, are here to provide both the platform and technical expertise to help countries face these challenges together.”
The interview underscored the Kurdistan Region’s growing reputation as a hub for diplomacy, investment, and environmental cooperation in Iraq and the wider Middle East. As UNAMI transitions into a new phase, the region's stability and vision appear poised to play a pivotal role in Iraq’s next chapter.
