As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental infrastructure and diversify the economic base of the Kurdistan Region, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday, October 30, 2025, inaugurated the strategic “Green Belt Project” around the city of Erbil by planting the project’s first tree.

In his speech during the ceremony, the Prime Minister described this day as historic and significant for both current and future generations, calling it a fundamental step in the journey of Kurdistan’s prosperity. He emphasized that the reconstruction process will continue calmly and steadily, “not with noise,” quoting Jalaluddin Rumi: “It is the rain that makes the flowers grow, not the thunder.”

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Greek experts and international delegations who have shown readiness to support the project—particularly in the replanting of olive trees. He noted that these trees carry a special symbolism, as experts have confirmed that their historical origin lies in this very region. He also praised the private sector as a key partner of the government in implementation, explaining that the project’s land ownership will belong to the Ministry of Municipalities, while private companies will be responsible for the commercial investment of productive trees. This, he added, will create extensive job opportunities for young people, with international partners committed to providing specialized training programs for local workers in this field.

The Prime Minister explained that this green belt will serve as a true lung for the city of Erbil, significantly improving the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby providing a healthier environment and cleaner air for citizens.

He also cited the well-known saying: “They planted, and we ate; we plant, and they will eat,” affirming that this project represents a planting for the future, while expressing hope that the current generation will also witness and enjoy its fruits.

Mr. Barzani stressed that this initiative falls within the government’s firm strategy to diversify the economy and avoid full dependence on a single source of income such as oil and gas. He clarified that this direction encompasses several sectors including tourism, infrastructure development, dam construction, and environmental protection—highlighting prior steps such as regulating the generator sector, which had caused pollution, and noting that today’s focus on the environment crowns these earlier efforts.

The Prime Minister also referred to the serious challenges and obstacles previously placed to hinder such projects but emphasized that through determination, perseverance, and the sincere efforts of ministers, employees, and government teams, the progress has not stopped. He reaffirmed that the government will continue to implement its programs successfully. He added that the Region does not expect assistance from those unwilling to offer it, but remains open to any support from international friends.

In this context, the Prime Minister drew attention to the global threat of climate change, which leads to desertification—a major cause of migration. He called on the international community, especially European countries, to help address these environmental problems at their roots in the region, stressing that such support would help prevent future social, political, and security consequences of migration waves.

He concluded his speech by asserting that the Kurdistan Region does not wait for miracles but creates them with the hands of its own people, reaffirming his commitment that the path of reconstruction and prosperity that has begun will continue, and calling on everyone to take part in this national effort.