In a strong reaffirmation of France’s commitment to the Kurdish cause, Senator Rémi Féraud, President of the Paris en Commun group on the Paris Council and representative of the 10th arrondissement, welcomed Shifa Barzani, General Supervisor of the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation, at the French Senate this week. The meeting underscored France’s enduring solidarity with Kurdistan and its people.

The high-level discussion was attended by Ali Dolemari, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) representative in France, alongside members of the Barzani Headquarters’ Diaspora Office. The gathering highlighted the historical ties between France and the Kurdish people, with France consistently advocating for Kurdish rights, autonomy, and cultural preservation.

Strengthening the Kurdish Diaspora

During the meeting, Shifa Barzani presented the Barzani Headquarters’ strategic program aimed at uniting the global Kurdish diaspora under a shared national vision. Emphasizing the importance of preserving Kurdish identity, language, and culture, Barzani also stressed the need for Kurds abroad to integrate into their host societies while maintaining their heritage.

“Our goal is to build a cohesive Kurdish diaspora rooted in cultural pride, lawful conduct, and social contribution,” Barzani stated. The program focuses on key initiatives, including:

Promoting education in the Kurdish language.

Combating extremism and drug abuse among Kurdish youth.

Fostering a generation that embraces its Kurdish identity while actively contributing to their adopted nations.

Barzani also reiterated President Masoud Barzani’s vision for a unified Kurdish diaspora capable of advocating for Kurdish rights across all four parts of Kurdistan. He called on France to continue its political and moral support for the Kurdish cause on international platforms.

France’s Unwavering Support

In response, Senator Féraud praised the resilience and values of the Kurdish people, affirming the French Senate’s steadfast support for Kurdistan’s legitimate aspirations. “France has always stood with the Kurdish people, and we will continue to do so,” he said.

The meeting reflects France’s longstanding role as a key ally of the Kurdish people, a tradition dating back to President François Mitterrand’s era and maintained by successive governments. France remains one of Europe’s most vocal political supporters of Kurdish rights, both in the Middle East and within the growing Kurdish diaspora across the continent.

A Path Forward

As Kurdish communities face increasing challenges at home and abroad, diplomatic backing from influential European institutions like the French Senate provides crucial moral and political reinforcement. The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to enhance cooperation between Kurdish diaspora organizations and French political institutions, with plans for future cultural, academic, and civic initiatives.

This engagement signals a continued partnership aimed at advancing Kurdish unity, resilience, and international recognition—a testament to the enduring bond between France and Kurdistan.