Prime Minister Masrour Barzani Launches 'Visit Kurdistan' Platform
Erbil, Kurdistan Region (GOV.KRD) — Today, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani attended the formal launch of the 'Visit Kurdistan' platform, a private-sector-led initiative focused on advancing the Kurdistan Region’s tourism sector and attracting international visitors.
During the event, Prime Minister Barzani delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the KRG, as part of its development agenda across all sectors, places particular importance on tourism. He noted that attracting foreign tourists to the Kurdistan Region provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and greater international visibility. In today's digital age, with the rise of communication technologies and social media, promotion can play a decisive role in introducing Kurdistan to the world.
The following is the full text of his speech:
Distinguished guests,
Good evening.
I am pleased to be with you today at this event marking the launch of the Visit Kurdistan platform. I congratulate the organizers and all involved in this effort and wish them continued success.
This initiative is another step toward increasing the visibility of Kurdistan abroad and attracting more international tourists to our region.
Within the KRG’s broader vision to support all sectors, we place great importance on the tourism sector. Kurdistan has the foundations to become a leading tourism destination and an important source of revenue and employment for our youth.
With its stunning natural landscapes, Kurdistan offers something for every season. Historically, our region is home to more than ten significant sites and landmarks — religious, cultural, and historical — that are of great interest to both domestic and international tourists.
From ancient mosques and churches to sacred sites and monasteries, Kurdistan represents a rich mosaic of religious coexistence and cultural diversity. Sites like Shanidar Cave and the Erbil Citadel are internationally renowned. As the cradle of Mesopotamia, our land holds stories from the epic of Gilgamesh to the battle of Gaugamela and the visit of Alexander the Great.
Welcoming international visitors to Kurdistan offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and elevates our region’s global profile. In today’s digital age, media and social platforms play a powerful role in helping the world discover Kurdistan.
The KRG’s goal is to attract 20 million international tourists by 2035 through strategic public-private cooperation. Visit Kurdistan stands as an example of how both sectors can work together to strengthen our economy through tourism.
Dear guests,
As you know, we are holding this event at a time when the federal government has unjustly and unlawfully suspended the salaries of the people of Kurdistan. This is part of a broader political pressure campaign to hold our region back from progress and prosperity.
Let me be clear: these efforts will not succeed.
The people of Kurdistan have endured far worse and have never surrendered their constitutional rights — and they will not now. We have faithfully upheld our constitutional obligations — now we expect Baghdad to do the same.
Unfortunately, they not only disregard the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan Region, but also the very agreements they themselves signed.
Baghdad must recognize that Iraq is a federal country, and the Kurdistan Region is a constitutional entity. The federal government must deal with the Kurdistan Region within this framework — not through centralization and collective punishment, which history has shown only leads to destruction and division.
We hope Baghdad reconsiders its policies and stops undermining the legal and rightful entitlements of the people of Kurdistan Region. These policies serve no one’s interests.
We remain committed to resolving this crisis. We hope to reach a fair and sustainable outcome that benefits all.
Once again, I congratulate you all on this important platform, and I thank everyone involved. May our country continue to prosper.
