Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday welcomed ambassadors, consuls general, envoys, diplomats, and representatives of UN agencies and militaries in the Kurdistan Region at a reception to celebrate Christmas and the coming new year.

In his speech, the Prime Minister celebrated the Christmas season and the new year, expressing hope that the year ahead will bring joy, prosperity, peace, and stability to the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the world.

“ We’ve had some notable achievements, though, unfortunately, there have also been tragic events, such as the recent floods (in Chamchamal). Amid these challenges, we’ve also experienced great successes. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you for being part of this journey with us as we approach Christmas.

“I would like to wish Merry Christmas to all of our Christian friends and also happy holidays to all of you and a happy New Year. We had a great election not long ago. And I’m proud to say that our party was number one in all of the country,” he said about the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), of which he is the Deputy leader. 

The KDP gained 27 seats in the November Iraqi parliament elections. “That was a big success for our party, but also the whole election process was a big success for the country.”

However, he said now there is the process of waiting for the new government in Baghdad. “There are some key positions that are waiting to be filled, such as the Prime Minister, the President, and the Speaker of the Parliament. Of course, these are very important positions that need to reflect the different communities in the country, and also the results of the election.”

Furthermore, he said that he hopes that the formation of the government will happen soon. “Here in the Kurdistan Region, the formation of the government has been delayed for too long.”

During the October 2024 elections in the Kurdistan Region, the KDP won 39 seats out of 100, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan won 23 seats. The two parties  have not been able to form a government yet, but are expected to meet next Tuesday to resolve their differences.

“I hope that we can also form the government here in Kurdistan so that we can continue working together with you for a better life for our peoples, both here and also in your own countries.”