Governor of Erbil: "On the 26th of this month, we will participate in the first games of the Paris Olympics as part of the countries' delegations"

On Saturday evening, July 20, 2024, in a joint press conference and a special ceremony held at Erbil Citadel to mark the beginning of the Olympic Games in Paris on the 26th of this month, both Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, and Yann Braem, Consul General of France in Erbil, emphasized strengthening the historical friendship and relations between Paris and Erbil.
 

At the beginning of the ceremony, after showcasing several cultural video clips about Erbil and Paris, the governor indicated to the press, On the 17th of this month, we hosted the French Consul General and his delegation at the Governor's Office. Among the various topics discussed was the upcoming global event - the Paralympic Games, set to commence on the 26th of this month in Paris, France's capital.
 

Both parties agreed to commemorate this occasion with a special ceremony at Erbil Citadel, marking the start of the Olympic Games in Paris. This event also serves to reinforce the friendship between our two cities.
 

He also said: "For this global event, the Kurdistan Region has been invited at different levels, and we, as the Erbil Governorate, have received an official invitation from the Mayor of Paris to participate in the first games of the Paris Olympics as part of the countries' delegations." The Governor of Erbil highlighted the historical relationship, friendship, and support of France during various periods and the most challenging stages.
 

In this regard, he said: "France's support will remain vividly in the minds of the Kurdish people." He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the French government and people towards the people of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Regional Government. He also called for the continuation of cooperation and collaboration between both sides in confronting terrorism in the region.
 

Then, the Consul General of France declared: "We are delighted that this activity for the Olympic Games is organized at the ancient and historical Erbil Citadel."

He also said: "In organizing this activity to mark the beginning of the Olympic Games in Paris, we reaffirm the history of friendship between Paris and Erbil. We have agreed with the Governor of Erbil on participation in the Olympics."
 

He added that there is a strong relationship between Erbil and Paris, and the strength of these ties makes us happy. At the same time, he expressed his pleasure with the participation and presence of the Governor of Erbil at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which starts on the 26th of this month and continues until August 11th.
 

Finally, both sides emphasized the friendship between the French and Kurdish people.