In a meeting held on Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Salah al-Din, President Masoud Barzani warmly welcomed Cardinal Louis Sako, the Chaldean Patriarch and Head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world, along with the accompanying delegation, which included several archbishops and bishops from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

During the meeting, Cardinal Louis Sako expressed his gratitude for the respect and appreciation shown by the Kurdistan Region towards religious figures from different faiths. He also commended the culture of coexistence in Kurdistan, which has played a vital role in preserving its diverse components, history, and culture.

Furthermore, Cardinal Sako emphasized President Barzani's role in promoting a culture of coexistence and peace among the various religious and ethnic groups in Kurdistan, praising his wisdom and leadership. He stated that they are proud of the mutual coexistence among all the components in the Kurdistan Region.

In another part of his remarks, Cardinal Louis Sako referred to the recent decision by the Iraqi President to withdraw the presidential decree concerning the Chaldean Church. He described it as a wrong and dangerous decision that harmed Christians and went against the principles of coexistence and reconciliation.

President Barzani warmly welcomed Cardinal Sako and his accompanying delegation, affirming that Kurdistan is a land of coexistence and reconciliation among all ethnic and religious groups. He recalled his meetings with a group of Christian clergy during the fierce war against ISIS terrorists, assuring them that Kurdistan is their homeland, and they should not consider leaving it. He stated, "We will either live together proudly on this land or die together."

President Barzani expressed his concern about the decision of the Iraqi President to withdraw the presidential decree concerning the Chaldean Church, expressing hope that the decision will be reviewed and rectified.

During the meeting, the visiting delegation also briefed President Barzani on the situation in Nineveh Governorate, which has affected the lives of Christians and the potential future risks.

The meeting between President Barzani and Cardinal Louis Sako highlights the ongoing efforts to promote religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, despite the challenges faced by minority communities in the region.