In Erbil, a ceremony celebrating 20 years of friendship between Kurdistan and South Korea took place, with the President of the Region in attendance
Today, Thursday, September 12, 2024, in the presence of His Excellency Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, the ceremony marking 20 years of friendship between Kurdistan and South Korea was held in Erbil under the title 'Friendship from Zaytun towards prosperity.’
During the ceremony, the President of the Kurdistan Region stated in a speech: 'This anniversary and the relations with Korea are of great importance to us. Twenty years ago, there were no relations between us.' He pointed out that 'the first Zaytun team came to Erbil, and the arrival of that team marked the beginning of relations with the Kurdistan Region, as they became part of the international coalition for the reconstruction of Iraq. The mission of that team was humanitarian, established to provide assistance.
He also said: 'They came to Kurdistan as friends under the name of Zaytun. The people of Kurdistan remember the phrase they used, "We are your friends." The people of Kurdistan became familiar with South Korea. The Zaytun team provided humanitarian support to the people of Kurdistan. The opening of the consulate marked the beginning of diplomatic relations. They opened hospitals and libraries, and the soldiers established friendly relations with the people of Kurdistan.
He further stated: 'Several Korean drama series became famous in Kurdistan and among the Kurdish people. They built more than 60 schools and 15 medical centers.'
The President of the Region said: 'Today, after 20 years, South Korea's impact in the Kurdistan Region is evident. They have been our very good and loyal friends. We have gratitude and praise for their assistance.'
The President of the Kurdistan Region recalled and said: 'During my visit to Korea, at Seoul airport, they welcomed us very beautifully in Kurdish.' He says: 'Their work and services are very clearly visible. Now we have a very strong friendship between us. We are proud of these relations. We hope to strengthen our coordination in all fields based on mutual interests.
He further stated, "Iraq and the Kurdistan Region can learn from Korea's experience, which, after its own war, rebuilt itself from ruins and devastation to become one of the most advanced countries, particularly in technology."
He added, "One of their institutes developed policies and strategies for the revival and progress of human development and Korean society."
We can learn from their experience. Korea's story teaches us and all of humanity that with determination, ambition, progress, and investment in people and human development, no nation or group should ever be left behind.
The President of the Kurdistan Region highlighted the shared values between the Kurdistan Region and South Korea, stating, "We have investment opportunities for Korea in the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the areas of science, education, infrastructure development, culture, and technology. May our relations continue to broaden."
He said, "After 20 years, I want to express my gratitude, along with that of the people of Kurdistan, to every member of the Zaytun Team. Sending love to General Hwang, the team's first commander, and all the other officers. To them, I say: We miss you, wherever you may be, and I wish you happiness."
