Fazil Mirani Bids Farewell to Russian Consul General, Reaffirms Historic Kurdistan–Russia Relations
Pirmam, Kurdistan Region – 21 September 2026
Mr. Fazil Mirani, Head of the Executive Body of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Political Bureau, received Mr. Maxim Rubin, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Erbil, at the KDP Political Bureau headquarters in Pirmam on Sunday, on the occasion of the conclusion of the Consul General’s diplomatic mission in the Kurdistan Region.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the latest political developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider Middle East, with particular attention to the complex challenges and continuing instability facing the region.
Mr. Mirani highlighted the longstanding and historic relationship between the people of Kurdistan and Russia, stressing that these ties have endured through different periods and continue to provide a strong foundation for friendship, dialogue, and cooperation.
Recalling the historical dimension of these relations, Mr. Mirani expressed appreciation for the educational opportunities provided to generations of Kurdish students in Russia and the former Soviet Union. He noted that such exchanges played an important role in strengthening cultural and people-to-people relations and remain an important part of the shared history between the two peoples.
The discussion also addressed some of the major unresolved questions facing the Middle East. Mr. Mirani referred to the Kurdish and Palestinian questions as two significant issues whose peaceful and just resolution is important for the long-term stability of the region.
Regarding the Kurdish question, Mr. Mirani stressed that ensuring the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people through peaceful dialogue, constitutional mechanisms, and mutual understanding would contribute significantly to lasting stability, security, and social peace in Iraq and the wider region. He underlined the importance of maintaining open and candid dialogue with international partners and diplomatic missions regarding political and regional developments.
For his part, Consul General Rubin expressed his appreciation to the KDP Political Bureau for the meeting and for the cooperation extended to him during his diplomatic tenure in the Kurdistan Region.
As his mission draws to a close, Mr. Rubin reflected positively on his years of service in Erbil, noting that living and working in the Kurdistan Region had provided him with a deeper understanding of its people, society, history, and political landscape.
He also reaffirmed the historic character of relations between the Russian Federation and the Kurdistan Region and emphasized the importance of maintaining and further developing these ties in the years ahead.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Mirani thanked Consul General Rubin for his diplomatic engagement and efforts during his tenure in Erbil and wished him every success in his future responsibilities.
Both sides expressed their hope that the longstanding relationship between the people of Kurdistan and Russia would continue to develop through sustained political dialogue, diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.