The Kurdistan Region will continue to be a beacon of stability and progress. We are committed to building a better future for our people.

PRIME MINISTER MASROUR BARZANI

LATEST NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

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KRG Prime Minister Bids Farewell to the Ambassador of Bangladesh

On Monday, 19 August, 2024, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), bade farewell to Mohammad Fazlul Bari, the departing Ambassador of the Republic of Bangladesh to Iraq. During the meeting, they focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on economic and trade cooperation. Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Bari for his efforts in enhancing bilateral relations and wished him success in his future endeavours. Ambassador Bari expressed his appreciation for the continuous cooperation between the KRG and the Embassy of Bangladesh.

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KRG Prime Minister Welcomes New U.S. Consul General

On Thursday, 15 August 2024, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), welcomed Steve Bitner, the newly appointed Consul General of the United States in the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Mr. Bitner on his appointment and wished him success in his role. He thanked Mark Stroh, the departing U.S. Consul General, who was also present, for his efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. Consul General Bitner expressed the United States' desire to enhance relations with the Kurdistan Region across all sectors and underscored the Region’s role as a key partner in promoting security and stability in Iraq and the wider region. In addition, he noted the importance of Prime Minister Barzani's February visit to the U.S. in briefing senior officials on the challenges and developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the broader region. During the meeting, they discussed the upcoming Kurdistan parliamentary elections, reforms at the Ministry of Peshmerga, the need to solve pending issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, the safeguarding of the constitutional rights of the people of the Kurdistan Region, and the implementation of the Sinjar agreement.

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KRG Prime Minister Meets Halabja Governorate Support Council

On Wednesday, 26 June 2024, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), convened with the Halabja Governorate Support Council. The delegation briefed Prime Minister Barzani on the objectives of establishing the Council and presented several requests aimed at better serving the people of Halabja Governorate, including the completion of procedures by the federal government to recognise Halabja as a governorate. Furthermore, they highlighted that the KRG's decision to elevate Halabja to governorate status, based on President Masoud Barzani's recommendation, is appreciated. Prime Minister Barzani emphasised that serving the entire Kurdistan region, with particular attention to Halabja as a symbol of Kurdish sacrifices, is their primary duty. He assured that they will spare no effort in enhancing services for Halabja. He also emphasised that the KRG will treat Halabja as a governorate and is in constant contact with the federal government and the Iraqi Parliament to complete the procedures for its formal recognition, which is a legitimate right of the people of Halabja.

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KRG Prime Minister Affirms Kurdistan Region as a Safe Haven for Asylum Seekers

On Wednesday, 10 July 2024, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), attended an announcement ceremony for ‘Organising Refugee Affairs Guidelines’ in the Kurdistan Region. He was joined by Alina Romanowski, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, and Pauline Fresneau from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During the event, Ambassador Romanowski delivered a speech, followed by the signing of the guidelines by Rebar Ahmed, the KRG Minister of Interior. Prime Minister Barzani also delivered a speech at the event. Here is the transcript of his speech: “For many years, the Kurdistan Region has been hosting hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers, refugees from neighbouring countries, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Iraq, without any religious, racial or ethnic prejudice. During the onslaught by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), thousands sought safety in the Kurdistan Region. The KRG took on the task of hosting dozens of IDPs in refugee camps despite the region's existing financial crisis, and fulfilled its responsibilities despite shouldering the majority of the burden. “Today, the Kurdistan Region continues to protect and provide shelter for thousands of refugees, asylum seekers, and IDPs who fled their homes due to insecurity and conflict. To date, unfortunately, conditions in their home regions have not yet normalised to enable them to return. The KRG supports a voluntary return of all the refugees and asylum seekers through the normalisation of the situation in their homes to allow them a dignified return. “In a bid to organise asylum affairs, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the UNHCR, has been preparing and drafting administrative guidelines about the asylum seeking process in the Kurdistan Region. “These guidelines are integral to the KRG’s administrative and legal initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, as well as defining their obligations. They focus on coordinating and organising arrival and reception procedures for asylum seekers, and on establishing their rights and obligations in the region. “I commend the Ministry of Interior, the team which drafted the guidelines, and UNHCR, for their collaborative work. “We reiterate, the Kurdistan Region will continue to remain a shining example for hospitality, and a safe haven for all those who seek refuge from persecution, oppression, terrorism, and intimidation. “Although we have been facing a tough financial situation, we remain committed in providing public services such as education, healthcare, security, and essential needs to IDPs, refugees, and asylum-seekers. We hope that the federal government and the international community will also assist the Kurdistan Region to maintain these services to the refugees and asylum-seekers until conditions in their home countries allow them a dignified return.”

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KRG Prime Minister Reiterates Support for the Yazidis, Calls for End to Sinjar Emergency Situation and Implementation of Sinjar Agreement

On Tuesday, 2 July 2024, Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), attended a ceremony in Erbil to announce a financial support programme by which 3,000 women and girls, as survivors of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), will receive a monthly allowance. In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised that despite a decade passing since the tragic massacre of the Yazidis, the situation in Sinjar has not been normalised due to the presence of militias and illegal armed groups. He stressed that these groups have prevented the people from leaving refugee camps to return to their homes, thereby delaying reconstruction efforts in their areas. Prime Minister Barzani reiterated his support for the legitimate demands of the Yazidi people, stressed that the state of emergency in Sinjar must end, and that the Sinjar agreement must be implemented fully. He stated, "the militias and illegal forces in the region must be removed so that we can rebuild the region and restore power to the indigenous people of Sinjar, with support from the Iraqi federal government and the international community”. Furthermore, he noted that with international support to investigate the crimes, efforts have been made to establish a special tribunal for prosecuting ISIS terrorists for the crimes they committed against humanity. These efforts however are not adequately supported by the federal government.

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Prime Minister Barzani commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide

Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today issued the following statement on the tenth anniversary of the Yazidi genocide: Today marks the tenth anniversary of the genocide against our Yazidi brothers and sisters, which resulted in the massacre of thousands and the displacement and disappearance of tens of thousands of Yazidis on the hands of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization. After ten years, the pain and suffering of our Yazidi brothers and sisters still remain. Many victims are still missing due to oppression by militias and outlawed armed groups in Sinjar. The situation in the region has not normalized, and the displaced have not been able to return to their homes. The Kurdistan Regional Government reiterates its commitment to working with the federal government to normalize the situation in Sinjar and its surrounding areas, and to help redevelop the region to facilitate a dignified return of the Yazidi community to their homes. We emphasize the importance of fully implementing the Sinjar Agreement to pave the way for achieving peace and stability and to entrust the administration and security of the area to its indigenous people. On this occasion, we honor the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga, led by President Masoud Barzani, in the liberation of Sinjar. And we pay tribute to the martyrs and victims of the Yazidi genocide, along with the rest of the martyrs of the Kurdistan Region. Masrour Barzani

The vision we aim to achieve

shape

Stronger Infrastructure

Enhancing the Banking Sector

Economic Diversification

Government Digitalization

Runaki

AGENDA

Prime Ministers's Agenda For This Week

High-Level Meetings on Security and Development

Leaders from the Kurdistan Region and the UAE will discuss regional security and economic development in high-level meetings aimed at fostering stronger ties and collaboration.

Barzani's Talks with UAE Vice President

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani will hold talks with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai to enhance cooperation and discuss regional security.

Barzani's Keynote at World Gov Summit

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani will deliver a keynote speech at the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai, focusing on regional challenges and opportunities for progress.

Towards a

Brighter Future

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Initiatives

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Kurdistan Region Security Council

Established in 2011 by Law 4 of 2011 passed by the Kurdistan Parliament, the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring security and coordination within the region. Appointed as Chancellor by Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani in July 2012, Masrour Barzani, former head of the Kurdistan Region Security Protection Agency, leads the council as its chancellor. Under his leadership, the KRSC has been instrumental in various operations, including the fight against ISIL, operations in Hawija, and Sinjar. Responsible for implementing a unified security policy and facilitating coordination among security services, military intelligence, and existing intelligence agencies, the KRSC is committed to safeguarding the Kurdistan Region.

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Established in 2014 by H.E. Masrour Barzani as a non-profit institution of higher learning, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) is committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders. Embracing an American-style education, AUK prioritizes excellence in both academic and extracurricular endeavors. With a focus on transformative knowledge, innovative research, ethical community service, inclusivity, diversity, global engagement, and lifelong learning, AUK aims to drive economic, environmental, social, and political progress at regional, national, and global levels.

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Kurdistan Innovation Institute (KII) was founded by H.E. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani as a part of his vision to empowers the people of Kurdistan, particularly the youth, to pursue their entrepreneurial visions and shape a brighter tomorrow. The institute serves as a dynamic hub where research, innovation, and entrepreneurship converge to drive progress. With a focus on fostering human-centered innovation, KII actively supports ventures across various sectors, including renewable energy, healthcare, transportation, fashion, IT, and automation. KII is dedicated to nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs and creators, offering guidance and resources to turn their dreams into reality.

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The Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization established in 2005 in Erbil by H.E. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Inspired by the guiding principle of Mustafa Barzani, which emphasizes the honor in serving one's own people, BCF embarked on its mission. BCF’s humanitarian activities have transcended Iraq’s borders and it has carried out various activities to assist the most vulnerable in Turkey, Syria, Australia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Lebanon, and South Sudan. The foundation holds official licenses from both the Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Governments, and in 2016, it received accreditation from the United States.

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Kurdistan House was established with the vision of H.E. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to represent the Kurdistan Region at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Kurdistan House serves as a platform dedicated to showcasing the myriad opportunities available in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq while facilitating discussions and dialogue surrounding investment initiatives and economic advancement. Acknowledging Kurdistan's significant geopolitical and economic significance, Kurdistan House works on establishing the region as a focal point for innovation and collaboration.

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The MEPS Forum, held annually at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK), is a premier platform dedicated to peace and stability in the Middle East. Since its launch in 2019, the Forum has convened senior decision-makers from Erbil, Baghdad, and beyond to address pressing regional challenges through candid discussions and scholarly analysis. By fostering inclusive dialogue and encouraging innovative initiatives, the MEPS Forum aims to promote understanding and enhance stability in the region. Proudly partnering with organizations like the United States Institute of Peace, Oxford University, and others, we are committed to advancing lasting peace and security.

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