Nechirvan Barzani and Pietro Parolin Discuss Strengthening Relations Between the Kurdistan Region and the Vatican

ARK News.. As part of his official visit to the Vatican, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met on Monday, May 18, 2026, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen relations between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the Vatican, as well as the political and security situation in Iraq and the conditions of religious and ethnic communities. Both sides stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and deepening the values of coexistence and tolerance in the region.

President Nechirvan Barzani renewed the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s gratitude and appreciation for the Vatican’s continued support in promoting peace and stability. For his part, the Vatican Secretary of State praised the Kurdistan Region’s status as a living and successful model of peaceful coexistence among religions and diverse communities in the region.

Another part of the meeting focused on the latest regional developments and the humanitarian repercussions caused by tensions and complexities. In this context, both sides agreed on the necessity of preserving peace and stability in the region.

102