The President of the Kurdistan Region attended the fifth graduation ceremony of the 3rd Military College of Qalachwalan in Sulaimani on Sunday, where 210 new officers graduated after completing nine months of military, academic, and practical training.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Mustafa Said Qadir, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, senior officials from the Ministry of Peshmerga, military commanders, foreign representatives in the Kurdistan Region, and the families of the graduates.

In his address, the President congratulated the graduates and their families, describing the new officers as a highly trained generation that will contribute to strengthening the defense capabilities of the Kurdistan Region. He praised their decision to voluntarily pursue military service after completing their university education, calling it a reflection of patriotism and commitment to the nation.

The President stressed the importance of preserving the legacy and reputation of the Peshmerga through professionalism, unity, and national service. He urged the graduates to embrace modern military technologies, continuous education, and innovation while remaining vigilant against threats such as terrorism, extremism, and hate speech.

Highlighting the need for national cohesion, he emphasized that the Peshmerga should remain a professional institution committed to protecting human dignity, democracy, coexistence, and the rights of all communities without discrimination or involvement in political disputes.

A significant portion of the speech focused on the ongoing reform and unification process of the Peshmerga forces. The President acknowledged progress in the reform program but stated that greater efforts and faster implementation are required.

“The unity of the Peshmerga is the cornerstone for protecting the constitutional rights and federal status of the Kurdistan Region,” he said, adding that regional challenges make the completion of this process increasingly urgent.

The President also thanked the international coalition led by the United States for its support in the fight against ISIS and expressed appreciation to allied countries assisting with military reform and institutional development within the Ministry of Peshmerga.

Addressing relations between Erbil and Baghdad, he reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region is an integral constitutional component of the Federal Republic of Iraq and called on the federal government to fulfill its constitutional obligations toward the Peshmerga by providing military equipment, arms, and logistical support.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government, stating that both share common challenges and aspirations and should work together for stability, development, and prosperity.

On regional affairs, the President welcomed the easing of tensions between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that disputes in the region would be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful agreements. He reiterated that the Kurdistan Region would continue to serve as a bridge for peace and trust and would seek to keep Iraq and the Kurdistan Region away from regional conflicts.

The President concluded by thanking the administration, instructors, and trainers of the Qalachwalan Military College for their role in preparing the new officers and paid tribute to the martyrs of Kurdistan and wounded Peshmerga members whose sacrifices, he said, made the region’s security and stability possible.

The ceremony ended with the graduation of 210 officers who are expected to join the ranks of the Ministry of Peshmerga and contribute to the ongoing modernization and professionalization of the Kurdistan Region’s security forces.