The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) reaffirms the importance of fostering strong relations with Dutch political parties and parliamentarians to advance shared values and achieve common objectives.

A delegation representing the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) conducted a series of high-level meetings with representatives of Dutch political parties and members of the Dutch Parliament in The Hague on February 18 and 19, 2025. The delegation included Hoshyar Siwaily, Head of the Foreign Relations Office; Omar Zaweti, Member of the KDP Europe Branch; Pishraw Hassan, Head of the KDP Office in the Netherlands; and Sherzad Rojbayani, Head of Relations for the Netherlands KDP Office.

During these meetings, the delegation provided a comprehensive overview of the KDP’s role in the political landscape of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, with a particular focus on the outcomes of the regional elections held in October 2024.

A key emphasis was placed on the political and security stability of the Kurdistan Region, highlighting its culture of coexistence, commitment to secularism, and respect for human rights. The delegation also underscored the pivotal role of the Peshmerga forces and President Masoud Barzani in the fight against ISIS, as well as their ongoing and future efforts in combating terrorism.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) reaffirms the importance of fostering strong relations with Dutch political parties and parliamentarians to advance shared values and achieve common objectives. Strengthening these ties is essential for promoting mutual understanding, regional stability, democratic governance, and long-term cooperation in key areas such as security, economic development, and human rights.

The KDP values its long-standing partnership with the Netherlands and remains committed to enhancing political dialogue, deepening strategic collaboration, and working together to address regional and international challenges.

Discussions also covered broader regional issues, including the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, the current situation in Syria, and the position and future aspirations of the Kurdish people in Western Kurdistan (Rojava). The delegation elaborated on President Barzani’s efforts to unify the Kurdish position and discourse across different parts of Kurdistan. Additionally, the peace process in Turkey was addressed, with an emphasis on the importance of seizing this opportunity for the benefit of the Kurdish people.

The KDP delegation expressed deep gratitude to the Dutch government and people for their support during the war against ISIS, their continued training of the Peshmerga forces, and their contributions to the development of the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the agricultural sector and water resource management.

All Dutch political representatives acknowledged the Kurdistan Region’s vital and constructive role in the region and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and fostering future relations with both the KDP and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The delegation held meetings with the following officials:

Mr. Herman de Fries, Head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Christian Democratic Appeal Party, at the party’s headquarters in The Hague.

Mr. Dennis Ram, Member of Parliament for the Party for Freedom (PVV).

Mr. Don Cider, Member of Parliament for the Christian Union Party.

Mr. Isa Kahraman, Representative of the New Social Contract Party and Head of the Parliamentary Defense Committee.

These engagements marked an important step in reinforcing political dialogue and strengthening diplomatic ties between the KDP and the Netherlands.