Azhe Omar

I extend my sincere condolences to President @RTErdogan, the people of Türkiye, and the bereaved families following the tragic explosion at the HABAŞ steel plant in İzmir. We stand in solidarity with Türkiye during this difficult time and wish the injured a swift recovery.

At the Dubai AI Festival, organized by Dubai AI Campus under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we discussed AI’s growing role in strengthening institutions, improving public services, and shaping the region’s future. We also explored strategic partnerships with international institutions and companies to transfer expertise, develop Kurdistan’s young talent, and strengthen our technological capabilities. Kurdistan must be an active participant in the global AI transformation.

A substantive meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Ambassador Steven Fagin, reaffirming our strategic partnership. We agreed on the urgency of resolving outstanding Erbil–Baghdad issues and accelerating the formation of a new KRG cabinet to strengthen governance and stability.

In separate meetings with Dutch Consul General Adriaan IJsselstein and Stephan Wendt, Head of the EU Liaison Office in Erbil, we discussed strengthening our partnerships. With the Netherlands, we focused on expanding cooperation in agrotourism and developing the skills of Kurdistan’s farmers. With the EU, we emphasized deeper coordination between the EU, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to advance economic development and shared interests.

I met with UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell to advance our strategic security partnership. We agreed to deepen cooperation on Peshmerga training, security and intelligence reform, and irregular migration. We reaffirmed that a strong, unified KRG is vital to lasting stability in Iraq and the wider region.

A new phase in US–Iraq–Kurdistan relations must bring greater economic opportunities and stronger trade partnerships. I had a productive discussion with US Consul General Gwendolyn Green on our shared commitment to turning this ambition into tangible results.

During my panel at the MERI Forum, I emphasized that Kurdistan’s future depends on addressing the challenges within our control: reforming governance, strengthening institutions, unifying our forces, and building genuine political partnership. Our priority must be solutions, not political disputes. We need a stronger Kurdistan, a constitutional relationship with Baghdad, and a shared commitment to stability and peace across the region.

In the age of artificial intelligence, the younger generation must have a greater role in shaping governance and finding solutions to society’s challenges. Today at the SmartSuli AI Hackathon, I was once again impressed by the talent and innovative ideas of our youth. We will continue to invest in their AI skills, support their ambitions, and rely on their abilities to shape our future.

The unification of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces was a historic step. The next stage must focus on building a modern, professional force through training, development and proper armament. We support the full protection of the rights and entitlements of the Peshmerga, including salary parity with their counterparts in the Iraqi Army. Under the Constitution, the Peshmerga must also receive its rightful share of any future programs to equip and arm Iraq’s security forces.

Germany stood with the Kurdistan Region at a critical time, and we remain deeply appreciative of its invaluable support, particularly its assistance to the Peshmerga forces. In my meeting with German Ambassador Dr. Daniel Krebber, we discussed strengthening our relations and expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest. @GermanyinIraq

For us Kurds, culture is more than art or heritage—it is how we endured attempts to silence and erase our identity. That is why we must value and invest in it even more deeply. Government, the private sector, and society all have a responsibility. The Slemani Cultural Umbrella is a step toward protecting our cultural identity while creating space for it to grow and shape the future. I also welcome thoughtful, constructive criticism. Culture grows through open debate, new ideas, and different perspectives.

I bid farewell to Russian Consul General Maxim Rubin and thanked him for his friendship and cooperation, particularly during challenging times for Iraq and Kurdistan Region. His efforts to strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia are deeply appreciated. I wish him every success in his future assignment.

I was pleased to welcome the French Senate delegation led by Senator Nicole Duranton. Our discussions reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between the Kurdish and French peoples and our shared commitment to strengthening these historic ties. I expressed our gratitude for France’s continued support to the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces in the fight against terrorism, and emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to safeguard regional security and stability.

It was a pleasure to welcome France’s new Consul General in Erbil, Emmanuel Mignot. The Kurdish people and France share a longstanding friendship. I thanked the French Government for its continued support, particularly its recent contribution to the unification and reorganization of the Peshmerga forces.

Today marks a historic milestone in a process we began in 2016 to unify the Peshmerga forces. Bringing the 70th and 80th forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga is a significant step towards building a unified, professional and institutional force, free from political and partisan interference. I congratulate our brave Peshmerga on this achievement and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them and honouring their sacrifices. My sincere gratitude also goes to our international partners for their continued support throughout this process.