Washington, DC, USA (us.gov.krd) – The Canadian Parliamentary Friends of the Kurds (PFK), led by MP Tom Kmiec visited the Kurdistan Region in September 2023. The delegation met with senior KRG officials, civil organizations, universities, and the media.

During their visit in Erbil, the Kurdistan Region's capital, the delegation’s official visits included Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Vice Presidents Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa and Mustafa Said Qadir, Foreign Minister Safeen Dizayee, Minister of the Interior Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Finance and Economy Awat Janab Noori, and Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs Pshtiwan Sadq Abdullah.

These dialogues were key for reinforcing bilateral ties, understanding regional dynamics, fostering trade and investments, and delving into the challenges confronting the displaced ethnic and religious communities in the Kurdistan Region. The emphasis of the meetings focused on opportunities within the agriculture, tourism, and energy sectors.

The delegation also visited other cities in the Kurdistan Region, including Duhok and Sulaymaniyah, where they met Governors Dr. Ali Tatar and Dr. Haval Abubakir. During their stay, they visited the American University of Kurdistan, the University of Duhok, the Khanke Yezidi camp, as well as historical and religious sites in Alqosh and Lalish.

Interactions with Christian church leaders showcased the vitality of the Kurdistan Region's Christian community, the Middle East's only expanding Christian populace.

Throughout their stay, the delegation stressed the importance of collaboration, underscoring the burgeoning ties between Kurdistan and Canada. This foundational visit is pivotal for forthcoming cooperative endeavors, emphasizing mutual prosperity and stability.