President Barzani opens the Erbil Book Fair, stressing the importance of books, Kurdish unity, and resolving political issues.
On April 9, 2025, President Masoud Barzani officially opened the 17th Erbil International Book Fair, held under the slogan “The World Speaks Kurdish.” In his speech, he addressed the broader political landscape in Iraq and the region, the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, and the formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet.
Speaking about the fair, President Barzani said: “Today, once again, we are witnessing the opening of the 17th Book Fair in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. This has become a tradition that brings us joy.”
He added: “Year after year, the fair continues to grow and improve. Hopefully, it will always continue and thrive.”To emphasize the importance of books, President Barzani quoted the renowned Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi, saying: “No matter how far the world advances, no matter how far technology progresses, the truth in the poet’s line ‘The best companion in life is a book’ remains alive. The value and importance of books is unmatched; it must endure and remain alive.”
President Barzani reaffirmed Kurdistan’s deep commitment to the values of coexistence, mutual respect, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and freedom of belief, emphasizing: “These are foundational principles that are non-negotiable. Everyone should be fully aware of this.”
He also called on all political parties to actively participate in forming the next KRG cabinet, but noted: “The greatest responsibility falls on the shoulders of the KDP and PUK. So far, progress has been made, but work remains. The sooner they complete the process and form the cabinet, the better, because all around us and across the world, a deep crisis is unfolding. A greater crisis may yet emerge. Therefore, the only condition for Kurdish success is Kurdish unity—Kurdistan’s unity. For this goal, we will do everything within our power. My advice to all parties, especially the KDP and PUK, is to accelerate the formation of the new government.”
Regarding Erbil-Baghdad relations and the unresolved disputes, President Barzani stated: “To a certain extent, some problems between Erbil and Baghdad have been addressed—but many remain. Iraq, as a whole, was rebuilt after the fall of the Ba’ath regime in 2003 based on three core principles: partnership, balance, and consensus.
Unfortunately, these principles have not been upheld. In 2005, a constitution was drafted for Iraq—one in which the Kurds played a key role and which 85% of Iraqis approved. Had there been real commitment to this constitution, many of the problems faced by the people of Iraq in general—and in Erbil-Baghdad relations specifically—might not have occurred.”
The Kurdish Globe