President Masoud Barzani delivered a keynote address on Tuesday at the Sixth Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS 2025) in Duhok, urging political leaders in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to prioritize stability, constitutional commitments, and improved public services.

The forum, attended by prominent figures from Kurdistan, Iraq, and abroad—including diplomats, ambassadors, and policy experts—focused on regional security and political challenges. In his speech, President Barzani emphasized the need for unified efforts to build a functional state.

“We must all work together to establish a stable state. There should no longer be states within a state that become obstacles and create problems,” Barzani said. He stressed that citizens across Iraq are tired of political rhetoric and instead expect “electricity, roads, hospitals, and proper education.”

President Barzani congratulated the Iraqi people on the smooth conduct of the November 11 federal elections, describing the process as orderly and efficient. He called on all political forces to use the post-election period to correct political course and rebuild trust.

Addressing Kurdish parties directly, he urged unity and equitable participation:

“The circumstances following the federal elections are different from before. According to electoral entitlement, every party should get its rightful share.”

He expressed hope that both the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government would be formed without further delay, noting that a year has passed since the Kurdistan Region’s elections.

Barzani highlighted several constitutional obligations that he said must be addressed urgently, including:

Amending the election law
Establishing the Federal Council (Article 65)
Forming the Federal Court according to Articles 92–93
Implementing Article 140 on disputed territories
Passing the oil and gas law in line with the constitution

He stated that the absence of these institutions has contributed to ongoing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil.

Barzani welcomed the peace process developments in Turkey and encouraged all components in Syria—including Kurdish groups—to pursue peaceful and democratic solutions.

On security matters, he warned that ISIS remains a serious threat:

“Whenever they see an opportunity, it won’t take long for ISIS to renew itself.”

He called for stronger coordination between Baghdad and Erbil, along with continued international support, to counter terrorism.

Barzani also identified narcotics as one of the most serious dangers facing Iraq’s youth, accusing drug networks of intentionally targeting society. He urged decisive action against traffickers and producers.

Concluding his speech, Barzani reaffirmed that Iraq’s strength lies in its multicultural and multi-religious identity. He called on all political forces to reinforce the culture of coexistence.

“Iraq is beautiful because it is multi-national, multi-religious, and multi-sectarian. We are all partners in this country.”

He expressed hope that MEPS 2025 would contribute to meaningful dialogue and help advance solutions to the region’s challenges.