Iraqi President: We Strive to Promote Values of Peaceful Coexistence

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid and First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed among guests of Arab-Kurdish Cultural Centre Forum.

Under the patronage of Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Forum was launched in Baghdad on Saturday (June 29, 2024).

Iraq's First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed attended the inauguration of the Forum organised by the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Centre in Baghdad on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

The event was attended by Iraq's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, as well as several Arab and Kurdish officials and literary giants and cultural figures from across the region.

In his speech, President Rashid welcomed the attendees, noting that, “Among the Arabic-Kurdish Cultural Centre's primary interests are cultural issues, history and heritage.”

He added: “It also involves boosting cultural commonalities in a way that serves the community and fosters social cohesion.”

President Rashid's full speech is as follows:

Distinguished attendees, ladies and gentlemen,

May God's peace, blessings, and mercy be upon you.

I am delighted to meet with you here in Baghdad.

It is our pleasure to provide you with information regarding the activities, events and goals of this cultural center. The Arab-Kurdish Cultural Centre was established recently in Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah.

Among the Centre's primary interests are cultural issues, history and heritage. It also involves boosting cultural commonalities in a way that serves the community and fosters social cohesion.

As we focus primarily on issues of culture and common heritage, we are able to draw upon many experiences and expertise derived from both distant and recent history, where cultural work has been instrumental in promoting the values of coexistence, harmony, love and brotherhood among people of different nationalities in the region.

It is fitting here to recognise the cultural contributions made by several Kurdish intellectuals who lived in Arab countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and others, and who contributed to the enrichment of Arab culture and arts. Recalling this significant role helps us gain insight into our history and gain a deeper understanding of the important roles played by figures in the fields of culture and society in general.

Historically, in the region, the best periods are those during which relations between members of different nationalities, including Arabs, Kurds, Persians, Turks and people of other fraternal nations were expanded and consolidated. Diversity of national, religious and denominational backgrounds contributed greatly to the strength of civilisation, the advancement of science and knowledge, and the promotion of peace and security in society.

There is no doubt that we, in this center, are fully aware that this humanitarian ambition will require an increase in the level of engagement of cultural and societal elites. It is this that makes the center's work advanced and diverse, allowing it to continue working to strengthen cultural ties between peoples today and in the future.

As a result, we urge great care in maintaining our joint efforts, developing understanding and strengthening values that will enhance our coexistence on the basis of a durable foundation that ensures the rights of all, regardless of nationality, religion, sect or ideology.

Coexisting peacefully, upholding justice and respecting the rights of all, and ensuring human rights and freedom in various areas is a guarantee for a better quality of life in the region and around the globe.

Those things that unite us are greater than those that divide us.

It is an important step to be in Baghdad today, as it is the first step in a long journey, a journey that should be positive, advanced, and productive.

Once again, it is my pleasure to meet you all.

It is a great pleasure to have you attend this cultural event and we greatly appreciate your contribution to it. It is my sincere hope that the two-way exchange of cultural experiences will continue, as well as the diversification and development of joint cultural activities.

Thank you.



PUKMEDIA - Iraqi Presidency