KRG - US NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2026 | | |
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE KRG REPRESENTATION IN THE US
| | A Historic First: Joint U.S. Business Delegation Visits the Kurdistan Region and Syria to Advance Regional Economic Cooperation | | The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States helped facilitate a joint business delegation led by the U.S.-Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) and U.S.-Syria Business Council (USSBC), bringing more than 20 American and regional companies to Syria and the Kurdistan Region in October 2026. | The landmark initiative established an important framework for bringing American businesses into direct engagement with emerging opportunities across two neighboring markets at a consequential moment for the region. It also underscored the value of the Kurdistan Region's long standing relationships with American businesses and its potential role in supporting economic connectivity and private-sector development. | |
A central theme throughout the visit was the Kurdistan Region's potential to serve as a platform for broader regional economic engagement. Delegates explored how established business operations, infrastructure, institutional relationships, and commercial networks in the Kurdistan Region could help facilitate cross-border investment and business cooperation with Syria.
Read the full article here
| | Kurdistan Parliament Reconvenes After Nearly Two Years, Elects New Leadership | |
The Kurdistan Parliament reconvened on November 4 after nearly two years of legislative inactivity, with 52 lawmakers attending to elect new leadership. Dr. Vala Fareed was elected Speaker, alongside Deputy Speaker Rami Noori and Parliamentary Secretary Muna Qahwachi. The development marks an important step toward restoring parliamentary functions and advancing the formation of the KRG's tenth cabinet.
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| EVENTS IN THE UNITED STATES | Nashville Celebrates 50 Years of Kurdish-American History | |
On October 6, the Nashville Metropolitan Council held a special ceremony commemorating 50 years of Kurdish arrival in the United States, recognizing five decades of resilience, community building, and contributions to the city. Home to an estimated 20,000–25,000 Kurds, Nashville hosts the largest Kurdish community in the country, affectionately known as "Little Kurdistan."
Since the first Kurdish families arrived in the 1970s, the community has grown into an integral part of Nashville's cultural, economic, and civic life, strengthening ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
The KRG Representation in the United States extends its appreciation to Mayor Freddie O'Connell's Office, Council Members Mike Cortese and Zulfat Suara, and the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation for helping commemorate this historic milestone.
Read the full article here
| Moorhead Dedicates Friendship Park in Honor of Partnership with Zakho |
On October 16, the City of Moorhead, Minnesota, officially renamed Johnson Farms Park to Friendship Park in recognition of its growing partnership with Zakho in the Kurdistan Region. The KRG Representation in the United States attended the dedication ceremony, which celebrated the cultural and community ties between the two cities.
Established in July 2025, the Moorhead–Zakho Friendship City partnership promotes cooperation in education, culture, and economic development. The relationship has already fostered meaningful exchanges, including two University of Zakho students currently studying at Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Home to approximately 3,500 Kurdish residents, Moorhead continues to strengthen its connections with the Kurdistan Region through educational opportunities, cultural exchange, and community engagement. The dedication of Friendship Park marks another milestone in the enduring friendship between the two communities.
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| | KURDISH CULTURE AND SOCIETY | | 18th Erbil International Book Fair Welcomes Over 400 Publishers from 18 Countries | | |
The 18th Erbil International Book Fair officially opened on October 21 in the presence of President Masoud Barzani, bringing together more than 400 publishing houses and cultural institutions from 18 countries. Held under the slogan "I Am Kurdistani," the fair featured over one million titles spanning literature, history, philosophy, science, and other fields of knowledge.
Running through October 31 at Sami Abdulrahman Park, the event included approximately 90 cultural and artistic activities, including panel discussions, poetry readings, musical performances, and book signings. Organized in cooperation with the KRG Ministry of Culture and Youth, the fair highlights the Kurdistan Region's commitment to promoting literacy, cultural exchange, and intellectual development.
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| Kurdistan Region Advances Historical Preservation and Environmental Infrastructure | |
The Kurdistan Region is expanding efforts to preserve its cultural heritage and natural landscapes through archaeological restoration, environmental initiatives, and tourism infrastructure improvements. The KRG has allocated approximately $687,000 annually to archaeological preservation in Erbil Governorate, while more than 50 international archaeological teams have received permits to conduct research across the Region. Ongoing projects include restoration of the UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel, historic marketplaces, and archaeological landmarks.
Complementing these efforts, the Rwanga Foundation recently organized an environmental initiative on Mount Safeen, where volunteers planted oak seeds and improved hiking trails. Additional investments in solar energy, water infrastructure, and digital trail mapping aim to improve accessibility while protecting the Region's natural environment. Together, these initiatives highlight ongoing commitments to cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and tourism development.
Read the full article here
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- Representative Aziz to Speak at Congressional Event Honoring American Veterans and Kurdish Peshmerga
KRG-US Representative Treefa Aziz will deliver remarks at the Barzani Charity Foundation’s Defenders of Humanity event on November 9 at the Rayburn House Office Building. The event will honor American veterans and Kurdish Peshmerga, highlighting their shared sacrifices in the fight against ISIS and the enduring US-Kurdistan partnership.
View event details and register here
- President Masoud Barzani Welcomes Resumption of US Consulate Activities in Erbil
President Masoud Barzani welcomed US Consul General Wendy Green following the resumption of consular activities in Erbil. During their meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening US-Kurdistan relations and promoting regional peace and stability.
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- Uzbekistan to Open Trade Center in Erbil as Kurdistan Region Expands Foreign Investment
Uzbekistan plans to establish a trade center in Erbil as the Kurdistan Region continues expanding international trade and investment opportunities. The initiative highlights growing economic cooperation and the Region’s efforts to attract foreign businesses and strengthen commercial partnerships.
Read full article here
- KRG-US Congratulates Newly Elected and Returning Members of Congress
Following the November 3 US midterm elections, the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States extended its congratulations to newly elected and returning Members of Congress. The Representation reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining longstanding bipartisan relationships in Congress and strengthening the enduring partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
Read full statement here
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