On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani hosted a Christmas & New Year’s Dinner Reception for ambassadors, consul generals and diplomatic envoys based in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, marking the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Prime Minister Barzani extended Christmas greetings and heartfelt wishes for a joyful and prosperous new year to the diplomats.
We close 2023 with uncertainty: the region is in conflict and exposed to the effects of climate change, and Erbil-Baghdad disputes risk goodwill between us.
We can do better.
We enter 2024 with high hopes for dialogue, emission cuts and improved quality of life for Kurdistanis. pic.twitter.com/KMBc8ZTXWy
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) December 7, 2023
In his address, Prime Minister Barzani expressed profound concern and sorrow over the civilian casualties in Middle East conflicts. He stressed the urgency of resolving these conflicts through dialogue and peaceful means. He also highlighted the need for resolving outstanding issues between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government, advocating for solutions grounded in the Iraqi constitution and respect for Kurdish rights.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Barzani discussed the significant challenges posed by climate change and its detrimental impacts on communities. He called for increased international cooperation and coordination to effectively address the growing threats of climate change.