Speaking at the conference of the Socialist Democratic Alliance in the Arab World, Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), said: “I am delighted to welcome all attendees to the city of Sulaymaniyah, a city renowned for its commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and open exchange of ideas. On behalf of the PUK and the people of Sulaymaniyah, it is a great honour to host you today.”
He added: “We have gathered to unite our efforts at a critical juncture. Democracy does not flourish on its own; it develops through dialogue, understanding, and building bridges between peoples. Today’s conference provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen our cooperation and to acknowledge the many challenges facing the Middle East. Conflicts continue to afflict civilians in countries such as Gaza, Syria, and Yemen. How can Western and European nations speak of democracy and human rights while tragedies persist in Palestine?”
The PUK President continued: “Amid these challenges, there is a growing call for peace. Young people aspire to a future free from conflict, demanding safety and a brighter tomorrow. These are the hopes of citizens everywhere, calling for meaningful change.”
Talabani reflected on the experience of the Kurdistan Region: “We have faced immense hardships, and our citizens have shown extraordinary patience. True strength lies in the PUK. We must begin with ourselves, uniting to overcome challenges while safeguarding the dignity and livelihoods of our people. Our commitment to democracy and peace remains steadfast.”
The PUK President concluded: “Your presence here today demonstrates that progress is achievable. Together, we can work to build a more democratic and peaceful world. Once again, I warmly welcome you to Sulaymaniyah.”