Iraqi President, First Lady Attend Opening of Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center in Baghdad

Iraqi President's media office

Iraqi President, First Lady at the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center in Baghdad.

The President of the Republic of Iraq, Dr Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, and First Lady Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed attended a cultural evening hosted by the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center in Baghdad, marking its official opening. The event was attended by heads and representatives of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions.

During the gathering, which included the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Dr Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, and the Centre’s Vice President, President Rashid underlined the importance of the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center in uniting the diverse components of the nation and reinforcing Iraqi society through a culture of constructive dialogue. He noted that the Centre also aims to promote Iraqi culture both within the Arab world and internationally.

President Rashid stressed that culture is a cornerstone of societal development and a vital source of knowledge for nurturing informed generations capable of leading Iraq towards the ranks of advanced nations. He added that the current stability across Iraq—politically, economically, socially, and in terms of security—provides a unique opportunity to foster a society grounded in peace and mutual respect among its varied communities.

Dr Ahmed Al-Badrani expressed pride in the Centre’s role in bridging Arab and Kurdish cultures and in promoting literary and intellectual contributions that consolidate cultural life in Iraq while strengthening relations across society. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shorsh Khalid Saeed, highlighted the Centre’s significance in promoting peace and culture nationwide and projecting a true image of Iraq’s social cohesion to the world.

Gullshan Kamal, Adviser to the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, praised the establishment of the Centre, noting its contribution to advancing the cultural movement and enhancing cooperation between Arab and Kurdish writers. She emphasised that Iraqis aspire to stability and progress, and that the country’s cultural diversity remains a central strength of the Centre.

Former Ambassador Farid Yassin described the Arab-Kurdish Cultural Center as a vital step towards spreading culture and knowledge, enriching Iraqi social life. Hussein Ali Ahmed, former Dean of the College of Languages at Nawroz University, added that the Centre will support sustainable cultural development and, alongside other active institutions, enrich Iraq’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

Representatives of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions welcomed the visit to the Centre, praising its objectives and cultural initiatives as aligning with the aspirations of all Iraqis for stability and progress. The event featured a documentary on the Centre’s establishment and development, as well as musical performances celebrating Iraqi Arab and Kurdish heritage.



PUKMEDIA