DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - On the 79th anniversary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on Saturday, Kurdish and Iraqi political leaders and parties extended congratulations to the KDP and its leader, Masoud Barzani.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani praised the party’s "pivotal role... in resisting dictatorship and contributing to the building of the new democratic Iraq." He also stressed the importance of continuing efforts to safeguard the gains achieved for all Iraqis.

Iraqi Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani remembered the party’s founding in 1946 by the late Mullah Mustafa Barzani, calling it a historic turning point in the Kurdish national struggle. He praised the KDP’s sacrifices for freedom and justice and its ongoing role in supporting political partnership, national unity, stability, and prosperity.

After its founding, the KDP played a pivotal role in advancing the Kurdish cause and resisting oppressive rule. The party's efforts in the wake of the toppling of the Baathist regime contributed to the recognition of the Kurdistan Region as a federal entity under the 2005 Iraqi Constitution.

The parliament's Second Deputy Speaker Shakhawan Abdullah congratulated the KDP on its anniversary, praising its late founder and the party’s continued efforts under Masoud Barzani to advance freedom, democracy, justice, human rights and religious tolerance in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen al-Mandalawi said, “The KDP has remained, and continues to be, an active national partner in the path of the new Iraq, contributing to the strengthening of democracy, good governance, and national unity.”

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Political Bureau extended congratulations to the KDP and its members, calling for unity between the PUK and KDP to form a strong government capable of implementing reforms and ensuring the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.

The Azm Alliance recognized the party’s historic struggle and its role in upholding freedom, democracy and constitutional rights. The alliance emphasized the importance of cooperation among all national forces to strengthen the constitution and build a secure and prosperous Iraq.

Azm Alliance leader Khamis al-Khanjar further praised the KDP’s political and historic role in both Kurdistan and Iraq. He called for continued cooperation among all political forces to achieve political, security and economic stability and resolve disputes through dialogue.

Vian Sabri, head of the KDP parliamentary bloc, said, “The KDP is the party of sacrifices, struggle, martyrs and fighters, and the party of peace, coexistence, reconstruction and progress.” She added that Barzani’s leadership continues to inspire generations.

Iraqi politician and head of the National Wisdom Movement [Tayyar al-Hikma] Ammar al-Hakim also congratulated the KDP and its leader, emphasizing the party’s role in strengthening democracy and coexistence among Iraq’s communities. He urged all political forces to prioritize national unity, protect democratic achievements and build a strong, stable and prosperous Iraq.

Seventy nine years after its establishment, the KDP remains the ruling party in the Kurdistan Region. The party emerged as the clear victor in the Kurdistan parliamentary elections in October 2024, receiving around 810,000 votes – almost doubling the votes of its nearest competitor, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).