Ano Abdoka, Minister of Transportation and Communications for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), met with Mariah Mercer, Deputy Director of the Office of International Religious Freedom, on Friday to address pressing challenges facing ethnic and religious minorities in Iraq and the Middle East.

Accompanied by the KRG's representative in Washington, Abdoka highlighted the difficulties confronting indigenous minority groups, including Chaldeans, Assyrians, Syriacs-Aramaic, Armenians, and others. He voiced concerns over legislation that neglects the rights of these communities and affirmed the KRG's commitment to promoting freedoms and fostering a culture of tolerance.

“We had an in-depth dialogue about the challenges facing our people, especially amid the current situation in the region,” Abdoka stated. “The KRG remains dedicated to defending the rights of all components in Iraq and the Middle East.”

During the meeting, Abdoka emphasized the rich cultural heritage of Kurdistan and the historical significance of its minority communities. As a gesture of appreciation, he presented Mercer with a symbolic gift representing the Chaldean, Assyrian, and Syriac-Aramaic civilizations of Kurdistan and Beth Nahrain.

The KRG’s advocacy for minority rights and religious freedom continues to position it as a key proponent of diversity and coexistence in Iraq and the broader region. The dialogue reinforced the KRG's dedication to safeguarding the rights and heritage of all its communities amidst ongoing regional challenges.