As the Mayor of Moorhead, Minnesota, it is with great pride and heartfelt emotion that I reflect on the recent establishment of Moorhead’s Friendship City partnership with Zakho, Kurdistan. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the history of our city and holds great meaning for our community.

Moorhead thrives on its rich diversity. The Kurdish community, which now makes up more than 8% of our population, has been an integral part of our city’s fabric for more than a generation. Moorhead residents of Kurdish descent are our neighbors, colleagues, business owners, and friends. Their presence has enriched our culture and strengthened our community in countless ways. Many of Moorhead’s Kurdish residents left their home country out of necessity, and this expanded relationship with Zakho serves as a meaningful connection to their roots. There are deep ties that bind us together. We celebrate the contributions of our Kurdish community.

The City of Moorhead was honored to have the delegation from Kurdistan travel across the world and spend a few days in Minnesota. From luncheons and celebratory tree plantings to community events, the delegation experienced Moorhead and all that we have to offer. As we continued to share with each other, it was exciting to learn so much more about Zakho, an impressive city that is 10 times the size of Moorhead.

This Friendship City partnership is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a commitment to fostering cultural understanding and mutual respect. The City of Moorhead, along with Minnesota State University Moorhead, is excited to advance our shared values of cultural diversity and educational collaboration.

Educational collaboration is a cornerstone of this partnership. By supporting joint projects and learning opportunities, we are investing in the future of our communities. This collaboration will provide students with unique opportunities to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Educational institutions in Moorhead and Zakho will benefit from the exchange of knowledge and ideas, leading to innovative solutions to common challenges.

As we celebrate this historic moment, it is important to recognize the individuals and organizations that have made this partnership possible. The dedication and hard work of community leaders, civic organizations, and local governments have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Their commitment to fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect is truly inspiring. After all, people are the most important part of all of this. They make our community what it is today.

In Moorhead, we deeply respect and celebrate the diverse languages and cultures that enrich our community. We believe that embracing cultural diversity fosters mutual understanding and strengthens our social fabric. From community events that highlight various cultural traditions to language programs that support multilingualism, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. There are over 50 languages spoken in our local schools. Our dedication to cultural respect is a cornerstone of what makes Moorhead a vibrant and welcoming place for all.

The Friendship City partnership between Moorhead and Zakho is a celebration of our shared values and a commitment to learning about one another and building a brighter future together. It is a testament to the power of cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and global cooperation. As we move forward, let us continue to strengthen the bonds that unite us and work together to create a more inclusive and prosperous world.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of this incredible journey.

Shelly Carlson is Mayor of the City of Moorhead