Erbil Governor to Iranian Consul: "This Year, We Will Welcome the Pilgrims of Imam Hussein's Arbaeen Better Than in Past Years."

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Omed Khoshnaw, the Governor of Erbil, received Faramarz Asadi, the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil, at the governorate's office.
 

During the meeting, which was also attended by Shakir Hussein, the official for relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Islamic Republic of Iran, both sides discussed the relations between Iran and the Kurdistan Region, the political and security situation in the area, and several other issues related to the latest developments.

In his remarks, the Iranian Consul General expressed his country's gratitude to the leadership of the Kurdistan Region including President Barzani, the regional President, and the Prime Minister for their hospitality and generosity. He praised the annual welcome extended to Iranian pilgrims traveling through the Kurdistan Region to participate in the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein. In turn, the Governor of Erbil thanked the Consul General, commending his role in strengthening their relationship.

The discussion then turned to the reception of Iranian pilgrims for the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein by the Kurdistan Region, and both sides followed up on the preparations. The Governor of Erbil gave assurances that by a directive from President Barzani, both the President of the Kurdistan Region and the Prime Minister have been tasked with this matter. He emphasized that, learning from the experience of past years, the Erbil Governorate is committed to welcoming and serving the Iranian pilgrims from the Haji Omran border crossing to the final point of the governorate at the Sherawa checkpoint.
 

The governor stated that this year, the reception will be better than in previous years, provided in the best possible manner, and that all necessary facilities will be offered.
 

For his part, the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil thanked and praised the Governor of Erbil, the provincial administration, and the higher committee for the services offered to the pilgrims during the hosting of the Arbaeen of Imam Hussein.
 

Finally, after both sides emphasized the advancement of relations, coordination, and cooperation between the Erbil Governorate and the Consulate of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil, attention was drawn to the upcoming visit of Mr. Reza Rahmani, the Governor of West Azerbaijan (Urmia). He is scheduled to visit Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, in the near future, accompanied by a high-level delegation from his province.