Kurdistan’s senior leaders on Wednesday marked the arrival of the New Year with messages emphasizing unity, reform, and optimism for the future.

“Let us gaze toward the future with hope and optimism. We assure you that we will exert every effort to make 2026 a year dedicated to consolidating stability and enhancing the lives and welfare of our citizens,” President Masoud Barzani stated. “We have faith in the capabilities and vigor of our youth, as well as the dedication of the people of Kurdistan, to forge a brighter future.”

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday issued a message marking the arrival of the New Year, extending warm congratulations to citizens of the Kurdistan Region and Kurdistanis in the diaspora, and wishing them a year of happiness and peace.

Reflecting on the past year, Prime Minister Barzani said that 2025 witnessed significant achievements alongside serious challenges. “With the support and the resilience of the patriotic people of Kurdistan, over the past year we were able to deliver the KRG’s reforms across various sectors, particularly ensuring 24-hour electricity, addressing water scarcity, building roads, and improving the financial and banking infrastructure. We remain committed to further serving the people of Kurdistan,” he said.

He also expressed hope for the swift formation of a new KRG cabinet. “We hope that in the near future, a new KRG cabinet will be formed, which regrettably has been obstructed so far. The higher interests of Kurdistan must no longer be sacrificed for the interests of any side.”

“Let us seize the arrival of the New Year as an opportunity to embark on a new chapter, where we set aside our conflicts and embrace a spirit of unity, tolerance, and solidarity among all forces, political parties, and communities,” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said. “Our strength is rooted in mutual acceptance, coexistence, and collaboration, which are essential to safeguarding our achievements and ensuring our constitutional rights.

“In Iraq, we aspire for the New Year to bring about fundamental solutions to our challenges, grounded in the constitution and genuine partnership. The Kurdistan Region remains steadfastly committed to dialogue and understanding, and will continue to be a pillar of peace and stability in the region, supporting peace wherever it may be needed in the world,” he added.