Erbil, Kurdistan Region – On Thursday, South Korea marked the 20th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with the Kurdistan Region in a ceremony held in Erbil. The event, titled “20 Years of Friendship from Zaytun, towards Prosperity,” highlighted the strong partnership between the two regions. South Korean and Kurdish officials celebrated the collaboration, with speeches emphasizing the mutual respect and cooperation over the past two decades.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani underscored the importance of the relationship, recalling the arrival of the South Korean Zaytun Division in 2004, which marked the beginning of official ties between Erbil and Seoul. “This anniversary and Korea’s relations with the Kurdistan Region are very important for us,” President Barzani said. He expressed Erbil's commitment to strengthening its relations with South Korea, especially in areas of mutual interest.

South Korea’s involvement in the Kurdistan Region began with the deployment of the Zaytun Division, which supported post-war rebuilding efforts following the fall of the Baathist regime in Iraq. The division, along with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has played a significant role in the region’s development, constructing over 250 facilities, including schools, health centers, and the Zaytun Hospital.

In his speech, President Barzani praised South Korea's contributions not only in the military and economic sectors but also in humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts. He thanked the South Korean government for its continued support and emphasized the region’s readiness to further expand cooperation in various fields.

Korean Consul General Seungcheol Lim participated in the celebrations, delighting the audience by performing the Kurdish song “Baran Barane.” Korea’s ambassador to Iraq, Sungsoo Choi, reiterated his government’s “special bond of friendship” with the Kurdistan Region, noting the strong foundation of collaboration that has developed over the last 20 years.

Several South Korean companies, including electronics giants LG and Hyundai, have established a presence in the Kurdistan Region. The relationship was further cemented when South Korea upgraded its diplomatic mission in Erbil to a consulate in 2016 and provided significant assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, including testing kits and other medical supplies.

The anniversary celebration highlighted the shared commitment of both regions to continue fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, with officials on both sides expressing optimism for future cooperation.