Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani attended the graduation ceremony of Qalachwalan Military College in Sulaymaniyah today, which was also attended by several advisers of the U.S.-led coalition.

“The peshmerga play a crucial role in the defense framework of Iraq. Consequently, it is the responsibility of Iraq to provide them with comprehensive support,” President Barzani said in his speech.

“We want to reassure the people of Kurdistan and our allies in the international coalition that we are fully committed and will persist until the unification of the peshmerga,” he underlined.

President Nechirvan Barzani at the graduation ceremony of Qalachualan Military College in Sulaymaniyah: The Peshmerga play a crucial role in the defense framework of Iraq. Consequently, it is the responsibility of Iraq to provide them with comprehensive support.

— KRP Media (@MediaKRP) November 16, 2024

A 2022 non-binding memorandum between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) pledged support conditional on continued reforms. Currently, 70 peshmerga units are overseen by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and 80 by the Kurdistan Democratic Party. The reform project aims to unify these forces under the MoPA by 2026.

The United States, the UK, Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands are part of the multi-national advisory group that supports the peshmerga reform process.

“Our extensive experience in the Kurdistan Region over the years has demonstrated that dialogue, mutual understanding, and ongoing negotiations are the sole effective means to address conflicts and navigate crises,” President Barzani added.

Read More: Coalition Remains Committed to Advising the Peshmerga: Pentagon

“It is essential to highlight the necessity and significance of addressing the Erbil-Baghdad disputes in accordance with the constitution and established political agreements. Our heartfelt thanks go to the international coalition forces combating ISIS for their unwavering support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

“The challenges and tensions present in the Middle East pose significant risks to the security and stability of Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and the broader region. Following a tumultuous history marked by suffering and devastation due to successive conflicts, the people of Iraq are in urgent need of peace and stability.”