Barzani meets Syriac Orthodox Patriarch, celebrates church inaugurations
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church and a delegation of bishops, priests, and clergy on Thursday. The delegation shared their purpose for the visit, which included inaugurating two new churches, one in Erbil and another in Duhok, marking an important event for the Christian community in the region.
The Patriarch and the clergy expressed gratitude to President Barzani and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for their support of Christians, especially during difficult times of conflict and displacement. They praised the region’s reputation for religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
President Barzani reaffirmed that Kurdistan is a homeland for all, emphasizing the region’s commitment to a pluralistic society where all religions and ethnicities have equal rights. The visit highlights Kurdistan’s role as a sanctuary for religious diversity and a symbol of peace and tolerance in the Middle East.
