On the 10 June 2019 the inauguration of the new President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Idris Barzani, took place in Erbil. In his first speech as newly sworn-in President he emphasized the need for strong relations between Erbil and Baghdad.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by high-level leaders and dignitaries, both local and foreign, and took place in the Saad Abdullah Conference Hall in Erbil. Some participants of the historic event held speeches, like Iraqi President Barham Salih, who highlighted the positive accomplishments which can be achieved when Baghdad and Erbil cooperate like they did throughout the conflict with the Islamic State.
Former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani was one of the first to congratulate Nechirvan Barzani on his new post. The president’s predecessor called out to “try together to resolves outstanding problems as soon as possible, especially problems in disputed territories.”
Additionally, diplomats from foreign ministries of neighboring countries Turkey, like Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Iran, as well as representatives from embassies, consulates, and other missions, were attending. Representing the federal government in Baghdad, Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and Iraqi National Security Advisor, Falih Alfayyadh, were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.
“We all share one future just as we are all under one sun in the sky.” Nechirvan Barzani concluded in his very first speech as President. He stressed the essential relations with Iraq and underscored the work across local parties to be more coordinated. Taking the oath, President Barzani promised to protect the unity, rights & interests of the people of Kurdistan to the best of his ability.