On the occasion of Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received a congratulatory letter from U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Trump extended his warmest congratulations to President Nechirvan Barzani, noting that Newroz marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the enduring triumph of light over darkness. He added that this ancient holiday serves as a yearly reminder of the strength found in new beginnings.

President Trump also expressed his hope that this Newroz would promote the values of peace and human dignity, and that the New Year would be filled with blessings and happiness.

President Trump congratulated everyone celebrating Newroz and concluded his letter in Kurdish with the words: Newroz Piroz, meaning “happy Newroz”.

Read More: Newroz: Kurdish New Year

The Kurdish New Year celebration of Newroz – a combination of the Kurdish words new, meaning “new”, and roz, meaning “day” or ‘’sun’’ – marks the start of spring and symbolizes renewal, hope, and freedom among the Kurdish people.

Typically falling on March 21, Newroz is an ancient festival celebrated by Kurds and other ethnic groups in the Middle East, Central Asia, and around the world.