KDP Delegation Meets with IDU Leadership on the Final Day of the Zagreb Visit

On the final day of the International Democracy Union Forum in Zagreb, the delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party held a friendly and constructive meeting and exchange with the leadership of the IDU. The meeting was attended by the Hon. Stephen Harper, Chairman of the IDU; Mr. Brian Loughnane, Deputy Chairman of the IDU; and Ms. Tina Mercep, Secretary General and Executive Director of the IDU.

The KDP delegation, headed by Mr. Hoshyar Siwaily, Head of the KDP Foreign Relations Office, conveyed the greetings of the President Barzani and the leadership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. The delegation also expressed its appreciation for the invitation and for providing this important and valuable opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments.

During the meeting, Mr. Siwaily briefed the IDU leadership on the current situation in the Middle East and its wider implications for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region and the people of Kurdistan have not been, and will not be, part of any regional tension or conflict. This is despite the fact that the Kurdistan Region has been subjected to hundreds of unjustified attacks, which have caused human and material losses. Nevertheless, the Kurdistan Region continues to pursue a policy based on peace, stability, dialogue, and constructive cooperation in order to achieve calm, security, progress, and prosperity.

Another part of the discussion focused on relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq. The KDP delegation emphasized the importance of resolving outstanding issues through constitutional mechanisms, mutual respect, partnership, and dialogue, in a manner that serves the interests of all peoples and components of Iraq.

The IDU leadership expressed its thanks and appreciation to the KDP delegation for its active participation in the Forum and for the constructive role it continues to play within IDU gatherings. They also once again reaffirmed their support for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the people of Kurdistan, and the efforts of the Kurdistan Democratic Party to advance peace, stability, prosperity, and democratic values.

During the meeting, it was also noted that the Kurdistan Region has continuously proven itself to be a place of stability in a region filled with challenges and threats. It has also been recognized as a place of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and respect for diversity. These are values shared by the IDU and its members.

Mr. Siwaily also highlighted the historic and continuous efforts of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and President Masoud Barzani in promoting democracy, coexistence, moderation, and combating extremism in all its forms. He emphasized the importance of continued support from friends and allies around the world, particularly IDU members, in strengthening peace, stability, and democratic progress in Kurdistan and the wider region.

On the evening of the same day, H.E. Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, hosted the participants of the Forum. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation and reaffirmed the policy of his country and government in their continued support for democracy, the expansion of relations, and the diversification of energy and economic resources in order to achieve stability and sustainable development. He called on IDU members, participants, and guests to work together toward achieving these objectives.

In conclusion, the delegation of the Kurdistan Democratic Party expressed its gratitude and appreciation to the organizers of the Forum, and thanked the leadership of the Croatian Democratic Union and the leadership of the IDU for their continued support. The delegation also expressed its hope to welcome IDU friends from the Croatian delegation to the Kurdistan Region in the near future.