Governor of Erbil Receives Delegation of U.S. and Erbil Church Leaders
On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen humanitarian and religious ties, Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, received a joint delegation of international and local church leaders at the governorate headquarters. The delegation included Pastor Jim Brown, head of Grace Church in the United States, and Pastor Malaz Baisoon, head of the Al-Ittihad Church in Erbil, along with an accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, several important issues were discussed regarding stability, coexistence, and the humanitarian situation in the Kurdistan Region. While welcoming the delegation, the Governor of Erbil highlighted the rich history of the Kurdistan Region in general, and Erbil Governorate in particular, in protecting religious and ethnic coexistence.
He emphasized that Erbil serves as a global model in the region for peaceful coexistence between Muslims, Christians, Yazidis, and all other components, and that it will continue to remain so.
In another part of the meeting, the discussion turned to the sacrifices made by the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces in the war against ISIS terrorists. The Governor stated that the Peshmerga, on behalf of the entire world and with the support and coordination of the International Coalition, managed to defeat the most dangerous terrorist organization and protect humanity from its threat.
He also emphasized that during the ISIS attacks and the security deterioration in central and southern Iraq, the capital city of Erbil opened its doors to welcome thousands of Christian families displaced from the Nineveh Plains and other cities, providing them with all necessary services.
Furthermore, the humanitarian role of the Kurdistan Region was discussed as a safe haven not only for Iraqi citizens but also for refugees from neighboring countries, who are settled and protected in various camps and areas within the governorate’s borders. In another segment of the meeting, the Governor of Erbil highlighted the economic and financial challenges facing service projects.
He reiterated that had it not been for the financial injustices and obstacles previously imposed by the federal government of Iraq against the Kurdistan Region and its financial entitlements, the level of progress, development, and reconstruction in Erbil would be at a much more advanced stage today.
He added that the city would have flourished more rapidly across all sectors. The Governor stressed that despite these blockades and challenges, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s will to serve and rebuild the capital has never wavered.
In conclusion, the visiting delegation expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the leadership of the Kurdistan Region and the Governor of Erbil. They highly valued the absolute religious freedom that exists in Kurdistan, stating that Erbil has proven to be a capital of peace and tolerance, a place of refuge that protects the dignity of individuals facing persecution due to differences in beliefs and religion. To this end, they reaffirmed their readiness to continue coordination in humanitarian and charitable projects.
