Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region kicked off the new school year by ringing the bell at Mixed Village High School in Erbil on Wednesday.

In his address during the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted several key points:

Immense Pressure on Kurdistan Region: He acknowledged that the Kurdistan Region is currently facing substantial pressure aimed at undermining its stability and progress. As a response, he announced the Region's intention to visit Baghdad to address these pressing issues.

Patience as Strength: Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that the patience demonstrated by the Region does not imply weakness. He expressed the Region's commitment to resolving problems peacefully and preventing them from taking a more concerning turn.

Peaceful Resolution with Baghdad: Stressing the importance of peaceful diplomacy, he underlined the necessity of addressing the Region's financial and constitutional rights with Baghdad.

The Prime Minister extended his congratulations to educational staff, students, and pupils on the start of the new academic year. He wished them success and prosperity in their educational journey.

He also recognized the critical role of education in societal development and progress, highlighting the Region's dedication to nurturing a new generation capable of building Kurdistan's future.

Prime Minister Barzani further explained that schools not only provide education but also instill in students a sense of belonging to their homeland. He emphasized the importance of preserving the environment and remembering the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga in defending the present and future generations.

The Prime Minister commended the dedication of teachers and educators who continue to work diligently despite challenging circumstances, preventing the educational sector from collapsing.

He acknowledged the financial burden on teachers and assured that the Regional Government is actively working to alleviate this pressure.

Prime Minister Barzani reaffirmed his determination to visit Baghdad to peacefully resolve the ongoing issues between the two sides. He reiterated that the Region's patience should not be misconstrued as weakness and stressed the importance of securing all the financial and constitutional rights of the Kurdistan people through peaceful means.

In closing, he expressed optimism that the cooperative efforts with Baghdad would bring stability to Iraq and prosperity to the Kurdistan Region. He called on Iraqis to stand together in defending the rights and entitlements of the people of Kurdistan.

The ringing of the school bell marked both the beginning of the new school year and a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing the Kurdistan Region.