ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — On Thursday, 400 Zeravani Peshmerga graduated from a course in “co-existence,” as part of KRG efforts to professionalize their military.

The new graduates performed stunts and martial arts in a bid to show their skills.

"We are present at the ceremony of the completion of a training of 400 squad members of the brave Zeravani Peshmerga Command. I extend warm congratulations to every single one of the graduates, and I commend the commanders and respectful trainers of Zeravani," Karim Sinjari, KRG's Ministry of Interior and acting Peshmerga Minister, said in his speech.

Sinjari thanked the Peshmerga members for their completion of the course, and praised president Barzani for his guidance and support to the Peshmerga forces.

"His Excellency's backing and guidance was fundamental and encouraging to help the training programs and reorganizing the Peshmerga succeed," Sinjari added, referring to President Masoud Barzani, the head of the KDP who was in attendance. 

"We hope that you continue opening more training courses so that all the units and regiments of Peshmerga participate to help them get acquainted with advanced military science, tactics and discipline based on international standards,” added Sinjari.

Sinjari also took the occasion to thank coalition forces for their assistance and training to Peshmerga forces in the last four years, adding it positively contributed to raising their performance. He called on them to continue their support and extend their training to all Peshmerga units.

The coalition members have provided Peshmerga with weapons, training and funding. They have set up a long-term reform plan for the politically-aligned units of Peshmerga to become more professional and united.

The ceremony was also attended by Maj. Gen. Aziz Waisi, the general commander of the Zeravani, Erbil governor Nawzad Hadi, and KDP politburo member Roj Nuri Shaways, among others.

"Our aim is to have a robust, trained and equipped force that can guarantee the protection of the achievements, dignity and values of the people of Kurdistan, the progress of the Kurdistan Region against any external threat,” Sinjari posited.

"We are proud of Peshmerga," Sinjari added. "An immersive and advanced" program has been set up with the support of Barzani for the Peshmerga, Sinjari revealed.