President Barzani Opens the 17th Erbil International Book Fair

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, President Masoud Barzani officially opened the 17th Erbil International Book Fair.

The exhibition, organized by the Al Mada Foundation for Media and Culture, was inaugurated in the presence of President Barzani, numerous guests, representatives of various countries, political figures, intellectuals, and journalists, under the theme: “The World Speaks Kurdish.” The fair will continue for ten days.

During the opening ceremony, President Masoud Barzani delivered a speech to the attendees, the full text of which is as follows:

In the name of Almighty and Merciful God,

Dear guests, esteemed attendees,

Welcome all. We are very pleased by your presence and hope you enjoy your time in Erbil. Thank you sincerely for being here.

Today, once again, we witness the opening of the 17th Book Fair in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. This is a source of great joy and pride for us. On this occasion, I extend my congratulations to Kak Fakhri Karim, and my appreciation and gratitude to the Al Mada Foundation and all those who have contributed their efforts and energy to successfully organizing this important event.

Each year, we see the book fair advancing and becoming better than the previous one. God willing, this effort will continue and we will always witness it prospering.

Although the world and technology continue to progress, the words of the great Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi remain true: “The best companion in life is a book.” The value and importance of books can never be replaced and will always endure.

On this occasion, I would like to address a few important points:

First, we reaffirm our commitment to the cultural values we take pride in—values of coexistence, mutual acceptance, freedom of thought, religion, and sect. These are fundamental principles that must never be compromised. Everyone should be well aware of this.

Second, regarding the internal situation of the Region: it is natural that the Region’s situation is affected by the overall state of the wider area. However, since the elections last October, which many doubted would take place—or feared would result in major problems—the elections were held successfully and were monitored by the United Nations and several other organizations. While no election is ever flawless, compared to previous elections, this one was notably better and its results have emerged.

We are pleased for all those who have won seats. Everyone, in accordance with their role, must now work together to form a government and cabinet. Kurdistan belongs to all of us. We are all brothers and sisters. It is not right for us to be divided.

There should be opposition, but it must be constructive—opposition that proposes better alternatives for the cabinet, the government, and parliament. A new page must be turned. I again call on all parties to participate, but the greater responsibility lies with the KDP and the PUK. So far, they have taken positive steps, but work remains to be done. They must move quickly to finalize matters and form the cabinet.

We see that the world around us is experiencing serious crises, and even greater challenges may be coming. The only way for Kurdistani to succeed is through unity. We will do whatever is in our power to achieve this. I urge all sides, especially the KDP and the PUK, to expedite the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s cabinet.

Regarding the relationship between the Region and Baghdad, and the general situation in Iraq: Some issues have been resolved to a degree, but many challenges remain.

After the fall of the Ba’ath regime in 2003, a new Iraq was established based on three fundamental principles: partnership, balance, and Consensus. Unfortunately, these principles have not been upheld. In 2005, a constitution was adopted with significant Kurdish input and was approved by 85% of the Iraqi people. Had that constitution been properly implemented, many of the problems between the Region and Baghdad—and in Iraq as a whole—could have been avoided.

Now, the real solution lies in returning to those fundamental principles and in respecting the constitution. We are ready to do our part. The forces in both the Region and Baghdad must have the courage to acknowledge past mistakes and start anew—so that Iraq does not fall into deeper crisis.

We are witnessing major conflicts in the region. We hope that the wars, whether in Palestine, Lebanon, or elsewhere, will come to an end soon and that the suffering of the people will be alleviated. However, what is even more crucial is that those currently in power in Baghdad must make every effort to ensure that Iraq is not drawn into those wars.

In conclusion, I wish success for the people of Kurdistan, Iraq, and all the peoples of the region. I hope for their happiness, peace, and safety.

Once again, welcome, and thank you very much for attending. May this be a joyful occasion for all.

Thank you very much.