President Nechirvan Barzani: The diversity of religious and cultural beliefs is a source of our strength, stability, and pride
Erbil, Kurdistan Region
April 23, 2025
Today, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the National Prayer Breakfast, which was also attended by President Masoud Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, senior officials, religious leaders, and guests from the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, the United States, Europe, and other countries, alongside diplomats and representatives based in the Kurdistan Region. The event was held under the theme “Towards Unity in Faith.”
President Nechirvan Barzani delivered the following speech at the ceremony:
Your Excellency President Masoud Barzani, esteemed religious leaders of all faiths, honored attendees, and distinguished guests from near and far,
I extend a warm greeting to each of you.
It is a pleasure to welcome you to Erbil, the land of peace and coexistence. I am delighted that we have gathered here for the inaugural National Prayer Breakfast in Kurdistan, joined by a diverse assembly of religious leaders and thinkers from various cultures and traditions on this significant occasion.
I wish to express my sincere congratulations to all Christians in the Kurdistan Region and across the Christian world on the occasion of Easter. May your holiday be filled with peace and comfort.
This initiative plays an important role in supporting the vision of the Kurdistan Region to promote a culture of coexistence and mutual understanding. It offers a comprehensive platform for spiritual and human dialogue among communities, free from conflict and division.
The religious and cultural diversity in Kurdistan has always served as a source of strength and stability, and it is a cause for pride. Over the years, the Kurdistan Region has exemplified the principles of pluralism, protected religious freedoms, and cultivated a harmonious environment for all communities, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
This morning, we heard from Mullah Abdullah Waisi, President of the Union of Islamic Scholars in Kurdistan, who shared that one of the clearest examples of culture, pluralism, coexistence, and tolerance in Kurdistan came in 2014, when Yezidi and Christian citizens were subjected to genocide by ISIS terrorists. During that time, mosques and schools opened their doors to refugees in Badinan and across other parts of Kurdistan, offering vital assistance and support.
In the early 2000s, a wave of violence against Christians and Sunnis in various parts of Iraq drove many to seek refuge in the Kurdistan Region, where they were received with compassion and welcomed into an atmosphere defined by tolerance and coexistence.
All of this was made possible under the direct guidance of President Masoud Barzani. The Kurdistan Region has hosted more than two million refugees, resulting in a population increase of over 33 percent. Today, approximately one million of them remain.
Fortunately, this large influx did not result in any security or social issues. Those who have returned to their homes continue to speak fondly of their time in the Kurdistan Region and often return to visit.
We firmly believe that peace is achieved through a deep commitment to human values and respect for human dignity, free from discrimination. These values are best realized when reflected in public policy, education, justice, and interfaith and intercultural cooperation. In the Kurdistan Region, we are actively working to uphold and advance these ideals.
History and experience have shown that open and honest dialogue is the most effective way to resolve conflicts and build trust among people. We consider this event an important step in promoting a culture of understanding and respect. It sends a message from Kurdistan to the world that pluralism is not a threat. Rather, it is a strength that enables societies to live together in harmony and dignity.
On this solemn occasion, we also extend our deepest condolences for the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was a true symbol of humility and openness. We pray together for his soul. May he rest in eternal peace.
In 2021, His Holiness visited the Kurdistan Region. That visit remains etched in the memory of all communities in Kurdistan and Iraq. It was a historic occasion that continues to inspire us and stands as a lasting source of pride. His legacy will continue to light the path toward peace and tolerance in our region and beyond.
We hope this event will become an annual tradition that strengthens the culture of tolerance, mutual acceptance, and peaceful coexistence. It should also help build trust among communities and among all those who view peace as a shared duty and responsibility.
I extend my gratitude to everyone who helped organize this event. I also thank all participants from both within and outside the Kurdistan Region. Your presence and support reinforce the importance of this gathering and bring hope for a more stable and just future. They also inspire us here in the Kurdistan Region to remain a land of pluralism, coexistence, mutual respect, tolerance, understanding, and lasting peace.
Welcome to Erbil.
Welcome to Kurdistan.
Thank you all for being here.
I wish you a wonderful day.
Welcome once again.
Thank you.
