The DeFacto platform is taking part in the 9th Sulaimani Forum, which began on Wednesday at the American University of Iraq–Sulaimani in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
This year’s forum brings together political leaders, observers, and academics to discuss pressing political, economic, and security issues across the region. Among the participants is Ilham Ahmad, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations for the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani both voiced support for stability in Syria and the inclusive representation of all its communities in any future political framework.
In his address, President Barzani stated: “It is encouraging that all Kurdish parties in Syria have united around a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue. They’ve made important strides in this direction by consolidating their demands. We hope that, in cooperation with the Syrian government, they can build a democratic Syria that guarantees the rights of all ethnicities and communities and becomes a pillar of regional stability.”
He added, “The Syrian government must represent all components of the country without discrimination, and ensure full participation and rights for everyone.”
Prominent figures attending the forum include Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani, and former Iraqi President Barham Salih.
Panel discussions at the forum are focused on critical topics such as the trajectory of the Levant, the economies of Middle Eastern nations, developments in northeast Syria, and their broader impact on Iraq and the region.
