Qubad Talabani Speaks at Delphi Forum: Next Session to Be Held in Sulaymaniyah

PUKMEDIA

Deputy PM, Qubad Talabani at Delphi Forum in Greece.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, affirmed the Region’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East as part of federal Iraq. He highlighted the Region’s strong ties with the United States, Europe, and other international partners, and revealed that an agreement on forming the new government in the Kurdistan Region is close to being finalised.

Speaking during a panel at the 10th Delphi International Economic Forum in Athens on Thursday, 10 April 2025, Qubad Talabani acknowledged the wider instability across the Middle East but emphasised that the Kurdistan Region has consciously chosen to pursue security and stability within the framework of the Iraqi federal system — a goal the Kurdish people have long strived for.

He noted that relations with the international community, including Europe, the United States, and Australia, continue to improve, attributing this to the Kurdish people’s openness to the world and their long-standing pursuit of freedom. He stressed that these values have underpinned the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to stability in Iraq and the broader region.

Deputy PM Talabani also spoke about the Region’s economic prospects, particularly its potential to generate employment. He emphasised the importance of fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship among the younger generation and leveraging modern technology to this end. He expressed satisfaction that these initiatives are receiving growing attention in Sulaymaniyah, pointing out the need to build a sustainable, post-oil economy driven by local talent and innovation.

On the subject of natural gas, Qubad Talabani said there is growing international interest in the Kurdistan Region’s gas resources. He stressed the importance of utilising this wealth to improve the well-being of the local population. While acknowledging recent prosperity in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, he called for further development across the Region.

Addressing the role of women, Qubad Talabani underlined that no country can succeed without active female participation in public life. He reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to empowering women, saying that an inclusive society depends on their involvement in state institutions.

Turning to internal political matters, the Deputy PM discussed ongoing efforts to form a new cabinet. He noted that the Kurdistan Region recently held successful elections with high voter turnout and that there is now meaningful progress in dialogue between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). He stated that the new government aims to address past shortcomings and prioritise good governance.

Qubad Talabani also spoke of plans to modernise government institutions through digital transformation and highlighted the importance of engaging the Region’s creative youth in this process.

In relation to foreign affairs, he reiterated the Region’s satisfaction with its strong international relationships and expressed a desire to continue strengthening ties. He praised the Delphi Forum and voiced his enthusiasm about meetings held in Greece, particularly those concerning cooperation in the fields of economy, agriculture, tourism, and civil aviation. He also announced the upcoming launch of direct flights between Athens and Sulaymaniyah.

Finally, Deputy PM Talabani revealed that Sulaymaniyah will host the next session of the Delphi Economic Forum, describing it as a valuable opportunity to attract foreign investment to both Kurdistan and Iraq.



PUKMEDIA