Erbil, Kurdistan Region – France will inaugurate a "Peshmerga Square" in Paris as a tribute to the Kurdish forces, announced Yann Braem, the French Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, during a ceremony marking French National Day in Erbil on Monday. The event was attended by prominent Kurdish leaders, including Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani.

In his speech, Braem emphasized the importance of safeguarding Iraq and the Kurdistan Region from regional and international tensions, calling for stability and a return to normalcy.

“This evening’s celebration reflects our deep desire for peace and stability, and it underscores the need to protect Iraq and Kurdistan from external conflicts,” he said.

Braem highlighted the historic ties between France and the Kurdish people, noting that Kurds understand the significance of international solidarity, particularly after the 1991 UN Security Council Resolution 688, which condemned the repression of Kurds under Saddam Hussein’s regime.

“The Kurdish people know well how their friends, especially France, have stood for peace,” he said, recalling France’s longstanding support.

The French diplomat reaffirmed Paris’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Kurdistan Region across various sectors, expressing optimism about future collaboration.

“We have great ambitions for the France-Kurdistan partnership, and the coming year will bring more opportunities to deepen our ties,” Braem added.