ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and President Nechirvan Barzani on Friday congratulated former Iraqi President Barham Salih on his official appointment as the next UN High Commissioner for Refugees, lauding the importance of the prestigious role for the influential Kurdish politician. 

Prime Minister Barzani addressed Salih in a letter, extending his "warmest congratulations" and saying that he is "delighted that a Kurd has taken up this important role."

"I am confident that you will continue to excel," the premier concluded. "You have our full support."

President Nechirvan Barzani received Salih, who is originally from Sulaimani, in person, saying in a statement that his appointment is "a matter of pride" for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

"We in Kurdistan understand the pain of displacement and the importance of this task better than anyone else," the Presidency statement continued. "We reiterate our full support for his success."

Salih, late Thursday, expressed gratitude for his new position, saying, “I am honored to have been elected as the incoming United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As a former refugee, I know firsthand how protection and opportunity can change the course of a life,” he said in a post on his X account.

He further expressed his commitment to responsibilities towards refugees, saying, “I will work with Member States and partners across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to mobilize the capacity, resources, and collective will needed to reach those most in need.”

The former president added that in his role at UNHCR, he would work to “advance protection and durable solutions fit for both the promise and the perils of the 21st century,” while working with partner states and refugees.

Salih served two terms as prime minister of the Kurdistan Region (2001–2004, 2009–2012), was Iraq’s deputy prime minister (2004-2009), and was minister of planning in the transitional government (2005). 

He later served as Iraq’s president from 2018 to 2022, losing re-election to current President Abdul Latif Rashid.