China Reaffirms Historic Ties with PUK During Garmian Meeting

PUKMEDIA

PUK Delegation host Chinese CG in Garmian.

On 12 May 2026, a delegation from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) held a meeting with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in the Kurdistan Region, Liu Jun, to discuss strengthening relations between the two sides.

During the meeting, both parties emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation, with the Chinese Consul General stressing that Beijing places great value on the historic relationship between the late President Mam Jalal Talabani and China, describing it as a foundation for current and future engagement.

The meeting took place in Garmian and was attended by senior Kurdish political and party figures, including Abu Karwan, Secretary of the Kurdistan Communist Party, along with Salar Mahmoud, a member of the PUK Leadership Council and head of its Foreign Centre, Omar Ali, head of the Garmian Centre, and Karwan Yarwais, head of the Khanaqin Centre.

Discussions focused on the importance of developing relations between the Kurdistan Region and China, particularly in light of the historical ties established during the leadership of Mam Jalal Talabani, who had previously emphasised China’s strategic importance at both regional and international levels.

Salar Mahmoud expressed appreciation to the Chinese Consul General for his visit to Garmian, an area historically affected by the Anfal campaign, and for his engagement with the region more broadly.

He also highlighted the situation of disputed areas within the Kurdistan Region, stating that some of these territories require a clear resolution in accordance with their specific circumstances.

For his part, Consul General Liu Jun reiterated that China attaches great importance to its historical relationship with President Mam Jalal Talabani, describing it as a guiding foundation for present and future cooperation.

He also stated that China considers the PUK a friendly political partner, and expressed understanding of the party’s influential role in Kurdistan, Iraq, and beyond.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Chinese Consul General reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to developing economic and political relations with the Kurdistan Region.


PUKMEDIA