Erbil –Saudi National Day was, for the first time, celebrated in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan region.
The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held on Monday a reception ceremony marking the National Day.
The ceremony was attended by the Consul General, Abdel Menen Abdel Rahman al-Mahmoud, President of Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani, ministers of the region, representatives of Kurdish parties, diplomatic missions and consulates in the region, military leaders and politicians.
In his speech, Consul Mahmoud shed light on the history of Saudi Arabia since its formation in 1932. He elaborated on the transition witnessed by the kingdom, reaching the international and regional status it enjoys today.
“The celebration of the National Day this year comes after the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz launched Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi 2030 is a roadmap to achieve the development and reform goals of the kingdom,” said the consul.
Minister and Head of Foreign Relations Department- Kurdistan Regional Government Falah Mustafa delivered a speech at the ceremony and considered the Saudi National Day important for relations between Saudi Arabia and the Kurdistan region.
Mustafa said that Kurdistan was honored to celebrate the Saudi National day in Erbil for the first time.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Consul Mahmoud said that the National Day is an occasion for people to remember the bravery and heroic actions of late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. He added that King Abdulaziz united the tribes, placing Saudi Arabia among advanced countries.
Spokesman for the Kurdistan Regional Government, Sven Dzia said that Saudi-Kurdish ties are strong and have reached to the level of diplomatic representation.
Minister Mustafa praised the relations between the two sides especially after the opening of the consulate in Erbil.
“We are looking forward to further cooperation between both countries,” added Mustafa.
Hayman Hawrami, the head of the external relations department in the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), hoped ties would develop into direct diplomatic relations.