Erbil, Kurdistan Region — On Saturday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended his congratulations to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on the occasion of its 49th anniversary. In a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Barzani acknowledged the significant contributions of the PUK throughout Kurdish history.

“I congratulate the PUK leadership, members, and followers on the anniversary of the establishment of the PUK,” PM Barzani said. He emphasized the party's pivotal role in various historical moments for the Kurdish people. “We commemorate the late Mam Jalal, the founder of the PUK, on this day, and I hope that the PUK will continue to defend the achievements of our people and support the KRG,” he added.

The PUK was founded on June 1, 1975, in Damascus, Syria, by Jalal Talabani, who was a key figure in Kurdish and Iraqi politics until his passing in 2017 following a stroke. Talabani was renowned for his leadership and dedication to the Kurdish cause, serving as the Secretary-General of the PUK and as Iraq's president.

The current Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) operates as a coalition government, incorporating representatives from various political parties. While Prime Minister Barzani leads the cabinet, Qubad Talabani, son of the late Jalal Talabani, serves as the Deputy Prime Minister. The ninth cabinet, reflecting the coalition's inclusive nature, includes six ministries held by PUK members.