Former President of Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masoud Barzani meets with Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael Sako to discuss coexistence

SALAH AL-DIN, Iraq — In a significant meeting, Masoud Barzani, the former President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), welcomed Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael Sako and his accompanying delegation. The two parties engaged in discussions concerning coexistence and the challenges impacting the lives of people in Iraq.

Taking place in Salah al-Din Governorate on Sunday, the meeting highlighted the significance of religious symbols from various faiths and the culture of coexistence prevalent in the region.

An important point of discussion was the recent decision by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to revoke the Republican Decree recognizing Patriarch Sako as the head of the Chaldean Church and its endowment, which has been widely denounced internationally and led to demonstrations domestically. The decision stands in opposition to the core principles of coexistence and reconciliation, they agreed. Masoud Barzani expressed his earnest hope for the reconsideration and rectification of this decision.

The meeting underscored the commitment of both parties to fostering an environment of harmonious coexistence among diverse religious and cultural communities in Iraq. The gathering serves as a vital step toward addressing challenges and preserving the values of peace, unity, and understanding among the people of the region.