The KDP Speech delivered at the Socialist International Conference in Malta.

Prime Minister Sanchez

Prime Minister Abela

General Coordinator Cambiwa

Ladies and gentlemen,

We meet this afternoon under a clear and urgent theme: “Leading Together innovating and Promoting inclusive societies.’’

These are not abstract ideals but practical imperatives that must guide how we shape the future of our communities, our nations, and the world. In an increasingly interconnected and complex world no challenge can be solved in isolation. We need collective leadership, creative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion so every person can live in peace, dignity and have their rights upheld.

The regional context in the Middle East remains complex and fragile. The defeat of the Islamic State was an important step toward peace, but new and persistent conflicts continue to threaten stability: the war in Gaza, recent hostilities involving Israel and Iran, ongoing instability in Syria and Lebanon, and the civil war in Sudan. These dangers underscore that cooperation and solidarity among states and peoples are essential — both to confront immediate threats and to pursue lasting peace.

The Kurdish people, one of the region’s major nations, have long endured exclusion, denial of their national rights and hardship. We hope current developments will advance and secure Kurdish rights.

Since the fall of the previous Iraqi regime, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has achieved significant autonomy within the Federal State of Iraq and worked to build a stable, prosperous society. Those efforts face obstacles: the federal government’s reluctance to fully implement constitutional provisions and its failure to disarm militias have undermined stability and our progress. Recent militia attacks on Kurdistan highlight the ongoing security challenges. Militias remain a primary source of instability in Iraq and require prompt, decisive measures to prevent further escalation.

The peace process in Turkey offers hope for resolving a long-standing conflict and advancing recognition of Kurdish rights there. The Kurdistan Region has provided and continue to provide help and assistance so that all sides reach a satisfactory peace deal. In Syria, political shifts present both difficulties and opportunities for the Syrian people and the Kurds in Western Kurdistan; ongoing dialogue between Syrian democratic forces and Damascus could pave the way for an inclusive settlement that respects the rights and identities of all Syrians.

The Kurdistan Region and Iraq recently held successful democratic elections. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), a leading political force, played a decisive role and has re-established itself as a principal party in the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq. The formation of new governments is now underway — an encouraging sign of democratic resilience amid adversity. These gains must be protected and deepened so they deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Our sincere thanks to Socialist International for inviting us and to the Republic of Malat for hosting us and organizing this wonderful event.

Thank you.

Hoshyar Siwaily

Kurdistan Democratic Party

Malta, 30 November 2025