Fazil Mirani Head of KDP Standing Committee Receives Lord Michael Ashcroft

Mr. Fazil Mirani, Head of the Standing Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Political Bureau, received Lord Michael Ashcroft at the headquarters of the KDP Political Bureau.

Lord Ashcroft is a prominent British businessman, political figure, author, and the current Honorary Chairman of the International Democracy Union (IDU). He was visiting the Kurdistan Region for several days to meet with the political leadership of Kurdistan, exchange views, and gain first-hand insight into the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Mahmoud Mohammed, member of the Executive Committee of the Political Bureau; Mr. Zagros Fatah, member of the KDP Political Bureau; and Mr. Hoshyar Siwaily, Head of the KDP Foreign Relations Office and Janghis Awakalay member of KDP Foreign Relations Office.

Welcoming Lord Ashcroft, Mr. Mirani expressed his pleasure at the visit and emphasized its importance.

Mr. Mirani provided an overview of the history of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and discussed relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government of Iraq. He also briefed the visiting delegation on the current situation in Iraq and the complexities and challenges that have contributed to instability in the wider region, while outlining the KDP’s position on these developments.

Mr. Mirani stressed that respect for differences, mutual acceptance, and coexistence are essential to resolving outstanding issues and achieving lasting stability in Iraq. He emphasized that the KDP considers the full implementation of the Iraqi Constitution, as it stands, to be the fundamental basis for addressing disputes, reaffirming the Party’s commitment to its implementation and success.

For his part, Lord Michael Ashcroft thanked the KDP Political Bureau for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and expressed his appreciation for the visit and the meetings held during his stay in the Kurdistan Region.

Lord Ashcroft expressed his support for the stability of the Kurdistan Region and his admiration for the Region’s economic progress, particularly in the fields of investment, agriculture, urban development, and the private sector.

He further expressed his desire to help convey internationally the positive transformation taking place in Kurdistan, as well as its rich culture and achievements.

Lord Ashcroft noted that his visit had provided an important opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the latest political and economic developments and the progress made in security and stability in the Kurdistan Region. It also provided an opportunity to exchange views on developments across the wider region, democratic cooperation, and the Kurdistan Region’s international relations.

The discussions also addressed the political and strategic role and importance of the Kurdistan Region within Iraq and the wider Middle East.

Lord Ashcroft stated that the Kurdistan Region has not always received the fair recognition and treatment it deserves and stressed the importance of working collectively to change perceptions of Kurdistan within international political institutions. He emphasized the need to demonstrate internationally that the Kurdistan Region is a peaceful and stable place with significant potential and opportunities for further development, progress, and success.