Erbil, Kurdistan Region — President Masoud Barzani on Thursday underscored the importance of unity, peace, and dialogue while addressing the opening of the 11th Mesopotamia Health Conference in Erbil, attended by more than 800 local and international doctors and medical specialists.

In his remarks, Barzani welcomed participants to Erbil and emphasized the Kurdistan Region’s openness to medical professionals and scientific cooperation, describing such gatherings as vital to strengthening healthcare and serving the public.

“The heart and doors of Erbil are always open to doctors and to activities like this,” Barzani said, expressing pride in the participation of physicians from across Kurdistan and abroad. He highlighted the value of exchanging expertise and experience, calling it a meaningful service to society.

Barzani stressed that Kurdish professionals have consistently demonstrated excellence when provided with opportunity. “If the opportunity is provided, the Kurdish individual is no less capable than anyone else,” he said, pointing to the emergence of distinguished academics and scholars from Kurdistan.

Addressing regional developments, Barzani warned that recent tensions in northern Syria had brought the region close to a major crisis. “A major catastrophe was close to happening in western Kurdistan,” he said, noting that his greatest concern was the risk of the situation escalating into Kurdish-Arab conflict.

He reiterated that Kurdish movements historically have not sought conflict with other peoples. “The Kurds have never started wars against nations,” Barzani said, emphasizing that Kurdish struggles have been directed against oppression rather than communities.

According to Barzani, decisive measures were taken to prevent further escalation. “This time, it was necessary to extinguish the fire,” he said, adding that although incidents occurred, a far more dangerous outcome was avoided. He expressed hope that the agreement reached to stop the fighting would hold and prevent renewed violence.

Barzani also expressed gratitude to the people of the Kurdistan Region, humanitarian organizations, the Barzani Charity Foundation, and media outlets for their support during the crisis, praising the unity displayed in response to the developments in Syria.

On regional diplomacy, Barzani reaffirmed longstanding Kurdish support for the peace process in Turkey, stating that it has been supported “from the very first day,” and voicing hope for a resolution beneficial to all sides.

Turning to domestic politics, Barzani said efforts are continuing to overcome obstacles delaying the formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government, while also affirming readiness to support Baghdad in forming a new Iraqi government.

“We are prepared to offer any assistance required to help both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq move out of this crisis,” Barzani said, while acknowledging the ongoing political and regional challenges.

He concluded by warning that the wider regional situation remains complex, urging all states to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. “War serves no one and harms everyone,” Barzani said.