On Wednesday, top Kurdish leaders commemorated Kurdish Journalism Day, which marks the 128th anniversary of the first publication of the newspaper Kurdistan by Mikdad Midhat Bedir Khan in 1898 in Cairo. 

It also coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate.

Mikdad Midhat Bedir Khan was a member of the prominent Bedir Khan family, which played a leading role in Kurdish politics.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to the journalists and media professionals of Kurdistan and to the members of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate,” President Masoud Barzani posted on X.

“On this occasion, I wish success to all dear journalists and media workers of Kurdistan. I express my support for the important role and duty of Kurdistan’s journalists in defending the just cause of our people, deepening the culture of peace and coexistence, and safeguarding the high values of Kurdistan’s society.”

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also congratulated all journalists in Kurdistan and thanked them for their work.

“Today we recall our commitment to defending the freedom of the press and journalism and facilitating the work of journalists in Kurdistan.”Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also added that the KRG will “continue our efforts to create a suitable and free environment for media work, ensuring that the right to access information is upheld and that journalists receive the professional protection they deserve.

“Free and courageous journalism serves as a vital partner in promoting good governance and justice. I urge journalists to uphold the public interest and social harmony with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism, and to contribute to the promotion of a culture of coexistence, mutual respect, and tolerance, fostering a spirit of patriotism and affection for the nation.”