ERBIL - The independence referendum held by the Kurdistan Region in 2017 was the voice of the autonomous region and its people, Kurdish prominent leader and former president of the Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, said on Sunday.

Barzani made the remarks in a message to mark the third anniversary of making a multilateral decision to hold the independence referendum of 2017.

"Today [June 7] is a historic day for the people of Kurdistan, on which the political parties in the Kurdistan Region agreed to hold an independence referendum so as to express their voice to the world through peaceful methods," Barzani said.

"This decision was a valuable achievement for the people of Kurdistan Region and an honor to all those sides who do not regret being part of making the decision," the Kurdish leader added.

He further extended his gratitude to those who did not regret the decision.

“My heartfelt gratitude to those who did not regret that decision."

The 2017 independence referendum received a 93% in favour votes from the public which showed the Kurds’ desire for an independent Kurdistan.