On Wednesday, several Kurdish leaders extended their Christmas greetings to Christians in the Kurdistan Region and the world.

“On the occasion of the New Year of Nativity and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), I extend my warmest congratulations to all Christian sisters and brothers in Kurdistan, Iraq, and around the world, and wish them happiness and prosperity,” President Masoud Barzani said in a statement.

“On this occasion, I emphasize strengthening the culture of coexistence and brotherhood among all religious and ethnic components of Kurdistan, and I hope that our Christian sisters and brothers always celebrate their festivals and occasions in peace and joy. I also hope that this occasion marks the beginning of the end of suffering, injustice, and human affliction worldwide, and that peace and unity prevail everywhere.”

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended his holiday greetings to Christians in the Kurdistan Region and beyond.“I wish you a blessed and joyful holiday,” he said in a post on X.

“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values of coexistence and harmony for all who call Kurdistan Region and Iraq home.”

In addition, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani underlined in a statement that Christians are integral to Kurdistan’s past, present, and future. “On this holy day, we renew the Kurdistan Region’s pledge to preserve our longstanding tradition of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect among all peoples. We remain committed to ensuring that the Kurdistan Region continues to serve as a safe refuge and welcoming home for every community.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

“We share a collective destiny in this land; together we have endured sacrifices during challenging times, and together we will strive to build a brighter and more stable future for coming generations. May the spirit of this holiday bring peace, love, and a strengthening of brotherhood among us all.”