Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with a delegation of Assyrian leaders, led by Sam Darmo, head of the Assyrian Institute for Justice. The meeting focused on the role of the Assyrian community in Iraq and their engagement within the Kurdistan Region.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Presidency, both sides discussed the presence, challenges, and future of Assyrians in Iraq. President Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region remains committed to protecting minority communities. He highlighted the importance of coexistence and noted that Assyrians, along with other groups, play an active role in every sector of life in the Region.
The Assyrian delegation included prominent community figures from Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and members of the diaspora in the United States. They praised the culture of coexistence within Kurdistan and expressed gratitude for the Region’s ongoing support. The delegation noted that since 2003, Kurdistan has been a safe haven for Assyrians and other vulnerable communities seeking stability and security.
The Assyrian community, one of the oldest Christian groups in the world, has deep historical roots in Iraq. Their population is estimated between 200,000 and 400,000, with communities spread across the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad, the Nineveh Plains, and Basra. Despite displacement, conflict, and demographic challenges, Assyrians have preserved their language, culture, and religious traditions.
The meeting reinforced the Kurdistan Region’s image as a place of protection and tolerance. President Barzani’s pledge to uphold diversity reflects a wider commitment to building a society where minorities feel secure and respected.