Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church to discuss Christians in Kurdistan. The delegation was led by Metropolitan Anthony, head of external relations.
During the meeting, President Barzani highlighted Kurdistan’s commitment to protecting religious minorities. He stated, “Kurdistan takes pride in its culture of coexistence and tolerance and remains committed to protecting it.” The discussions focused on the status of Christian communities, the ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and local believers, and broader Russia–Kurdistan relations.
The Russian Orthodox leaders praised Kurdistan’s efforts to safeguard minority rights and freedoms. They commended the Region’s long-standing tradition of interfaith harmony and support for diverse communities.
Iraq’s Christian population has declined significantly from about 1.5 million before 2003 to an estimated 150,000–300,000 today. Most Christians in Iraq are Assyrians and Chaldeans, with many concentrated in the Nineveh Plains and the Kurdistan Region. These communities moved to Kurdistan seeking safety from conflict and persecution.
Christians have faced repeated attacks, including church bombings, assassinations, and mass displacement during the ISIS offensive in 2014. Many were forced to flee under threat of death or forced conversion.
Officials emphasized that Kurdistan’s government remains dedicated to ensuring security and support for all religious minorities. President Barzani and the Russian Orthodox delegation agreed to strengthen cooperation on protecting Christian communities, promoting interfaith dialogue, and preserving religious heritage.