As a part of the KRG Representation’s ongoing efforts to broaden engagement beyond Washington and strengthen relationships with local leaders and communities across the United States, KRG Representative Aziz visited Nashville, Tennessee, home to the largest Kurdish population in the country. Nashville, known as little Kurdistan, plays an important role in fostering community ties, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. During the visit, Representative Aziz met with local officials, business leaders, community organizations, and Kurdish-American diaspora to discuss shared priorities, regional developments, and opportunities for collaboration.
Engagement with Local and Federal Stakeholders
Representative Aziz held a series of meetings with public and private sector leaders, including Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, representatives from the offices of Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Discussions focused on expanding economic and educational cooperation, strengthening people-to-people ties, and reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. Representative Aziz also highlighted the importance of continued U.S. engagement in the Middle East, particularly in light of ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in northeast Syria.
Dialogue with the Kurdish-American Diaspora
Engagement with Nashville’s Kurdish-American community was a central element of the visit. Representative Aziz met with community members and organizations, including the Salahadeen Center and the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation, to exchange perspectives and discuss the role of the diaspora in strengthening connections between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
The visit concluded with a community reception hosted by the Tennessee Kurdish Community Council (TKCC), bringing together Kurdish-American leaders, local officials, and community stakeholders. Participants shared concerns regarding developments in northeast Syria, including the humanitarian and security situation, and emphasized the importance of sustained international attention and civilian protection.
Representative Aziz reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of civilians, noting the value of continued dialogue and responsible international engagement.
Strengthening Outreach Across the United States
The Nashville visit reflects the KRG Representation’s broader approach to engagement across the United States, working with local and state leaders, business communities, and diaspora organizations to ensure informed and constructive dialogue on issues affecting the Kurdistan Region and the wider region.
The KRG values the contributions of the Kurdish-American community and remains committed to deepening these relationships while advancing cooperation with partners at the local, state, and federal levels.
