ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - President Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), met with a large delegation from Arab tribal leaders in Erbil on Sunday, during which he stressed that political disputes must not harm the “historical” and “brotherly” relations between Kurds, Arabs and other ethnic and religious groups, his office said.
In a statement, Barzani Headquarters said that President Barzani received “a large delegation of Iraqi tribal princes, sheikhs, and prominent figures” at his office in Pirmam.
The delegation had visited Erbil to offer their condolences for the death of Abdulwahid Ibrahim Sheikh Abdulsalam Barzani, whom the Kurdish leader had previously described as “the eldest brother of our family.”
The Arab tribal leaders praised President Barzani’s role “in deepening the bonds of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among all components of society in general, and between Kurds and Arabs in particular.”
Kurdish leaders have frequently expressed pride in maintaining and enforcing inclusive policies toward ethnic and religious groups, stressing that they have expanded their political participation and protected their cultural rights.
“President Barzani emphasized that political disputes must not undermine the relationship between Kurds and Arabs,” read the statement, adding that the KDP leader has instructed KDP lawmakers in Baghdad to work “in the best interest of all Iraq and Kurdistan without discrimination" while "intensifying efforts” to broaden relations between Kurds and Arabs.
