In a groundbreaking move to enhance international collaboration, the Zakho Independent Administration of the Kurdistan Region has officially signed a friendship proclamation with the city of Moorhead in the U.S. state of Minnesota.
This significant agreement was signed on July 2, 2025, by Zakho Independent Administration Head Gohdar Shekho and Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson at an event attended by numerous U.S. officials, academicians, Kurdistani Diaspora Confederation Supervisor Shifa Barzani, and community members.
Moorhead is home to approximately 4,000 Kurdish residents, representing the largest Kurdish community in Minnesota. Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson expressed pride in this diversity. “Today, more than 8% of our population is Kurdish, a number that continues to grow and whose members strengthen our community. You’re our neighbors, colleagues, and business owners. You all contribute to making Moorhead a vibrant and welcoming place,” she said.
Agriculture, culture, and education
The joy and excitement surrounding the cultural exchange reflected the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration that this partnership aims to foster.
The agreement, which encompasses various sectors, including agriculture, culture, and education, comes after over a year of collaboration. “Today marks a historic day for us,” Shekho remarked, emphasizing that the partnership aims to yield real results rather than serve as a symbolic gesture. He also noted that a delegation from Minnesota is expected to visit the Kurdistan Region and Zakho in the near future.
A cornerstone of the partnership is academic collaboration. “We are working with the University of Zakho (UoZ) to elevate its academic standards,” said Tim Downs, President of Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM).
MSUM and UoZ signed a pioneering memorandum of understanding on December 11, 2024, forming a partnership between two committed institutions focused on creating opportunities and inspiring ambition. This agreement will facilitate a robust program of affiliation, supporting international and cultural exchanges that will benefit both students and faculty.
Mutual understanding and collaboration
The friendship agreement received strong support from the U.S. diplomatic mission in the Kurdistan Region. In a video message from the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, Deputy Principal Officer Pamela Hack highlighted the significance of the event. “It is an honor to participate in a proclamation of friendship between the two great cities of Moorhead and Zakho on behalf of the U.S. government,” Hack said. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Shelly Carlson of Moorhead and Mr. Shekho, head of the Zakho Independent Administration, on this historic occasion.”
Hack emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections across borders, describing them as essential to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. She also encouraged residents of both cities to pursue deeper partnerships through cultural exchange, economic development, business ventures, and academic collaboration. Together, these efforts pave the way for a lasting and meaningful relationship between the two communities.
Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec also praised Zakho’s progress and endorsed the potential for stronger ties, particularly in the realm of cultural and knowledge exchange.
More enduring than dialogue
Following 18 months of careful planning, this formal proclamation of friendship bridges more than 6,000 miles between Moorhead and Zakho.
Jihan Birifki, a key figure in launching this initiative, expressed her enthusiasm for the agreement. “The signing of this agreement imparts a sense of permanence, transforming it into something more enduring than dialogue.”
In comments to Kurdistan Chronicle, Birifki described the agreement as a major milestone for Moorhead. “We proudly signed a friendship proclamation that lays the foundation for a bright and promising future. This landmark event is further enhanced by our memorandum of understanding with Minnesota State University Moorhead. We had the distinct honor of welcoming a Kurdish leader to our community, showcasing the spirit of unity and collaboration.”
“Together, we are nurturing friendships that transcend borders, fostering understanding, and enriching our community,” she added.
The ceremony concluded with the planting of a tree, an enduring representation of the growing ties and mutual commitment between Moorhead, Minnesota, and the Zakho Independent Administration.
Goran Shakhawan is a Kurdish-American journalist and author based in the United States. He has covered news for several Kurdish news outlets and was a former senior correspondent for Kurdistan24 in Erbil and Washington D.C. He has published several books in Kurdish.
