“Beyond Slogans: Kirkuk's Journey to Lasting Peace” Showcases City’s Unity & Coexistence

Iraqi Presidency

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid addressing the Kirkuk – Symbol of Coexistence Festiva.

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid has formally inaugurated the Kirkuk – Symbol of Coexistence Festival in Kirkuk, celebrating unity, cultural heritage, and the shared destiny of the province’s diverse communities.

The event was attended by Minister of Justice Khalid Shwani, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Fakak al-Badrani, Governor of Kirkuk Rebwar Taha, and Chairman of the Provincial Council Mohammed Ibrahim al-Hafiz, alongside Members of Parliament, senior presidential advisers, and other officials.

In his keynote at the event, President Rashid described Kirkuk as “a historic city that has, for centuries, embraced a rich mosaic of peoples, cultures and religions.” He stressed that peaceful coexistence is “not a slogan, but a lived reality and a guiding principle of our national identity.”

The President called on citizens to engage actively and responsibly in the upcoming parliamentary elections, emphasising the values of democracy, integrity, and transparency. “These elections are not merely a political contest,” he said, “but an opportunity to demonstrate our pride in our diverse communities, united by a shared heritage, history and destiny.”

He urged political and social forces, as well as the people of Kirkuk, to reject all forms of hate speech and polarisation, and to work together to safeguard unity. “Kirkuk belongs to all its people, and its interests must transcend individual affiliations and differences,” he added.

Following the ceremony, President Rashid toured an art exhibition highlighting Kirkuk’s religious and social diversity, featuring works that portrayed the province’s enduring spirit of coexistence. In recognition of his support for the event, the Minister of Culture presented the President with the Festival Shield.



PUKMEDIA