Davutoğlu: We Shared difficulties in Difficult Times With Mam Jalal to Achieve Peace & Stability

Deputy PM's Media

KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani and Ahmet Davutoğlu, Former Turkish Prime Minister and leader of the Fu

Ahmet Davutoğlu, Former Turkish Prime Minister and leader of the Future Party (GP), visited the mausoleum of President Mam Jalal in Sulaymaniyah, reflecting on his longstanding relationship with the late Kurdish leader and the Talabani family.

During a press statement following his visit, Davutoğlu explained: "My purpose here is the Sulaymaniyah Forum. I was invited by my dear friend Qubad Talabani. When I say friend and brother, I don't mean just rhetoric, but the great leader Jalal Talabani was my very close friend."

He continued: "Mam Jalal does not only belong to Sulaymaniyah and Iraq, we had such a close relationship in the past, we shared difficulties in difficult times to achieve peace and stability."

Davutoğlu described his visit to President Mam Jalal's mausoleum as a personal obligation, stating: "It was my duty to come and visit him. The last time I came as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was very ill and unfortunately we were not able to see him and we just visited his wife Hero Talabani and we called her aunty."

He further emphasised the deep familial bond, adding: "His family is my family, brother Qubad is like my brother and when he invited me to attend the conference in Sulaymaniyah, I didn't even think twice and said yes."

Describing Sulaymaniyah as his second home, Davutoğlu remarked: "Sulaymaniyah is like my home town and Talabani family is our family and being here is a great joy and an honour for me, and it was a duty to pay my tribute to Mam Jalal."

He also wrote in the memorial book of President Mam Jalal, saying: "Today, I came to pay my respects to my dear friend. We remember the beautiful memories and images of Mam Jalal. Mam Jalal belonged to everyone — he was a figure that belonged to all."

Davutoğlu is set to visit the Delphi Forum Slemani, which is making its Middle East debut, and is set to commence in Sulaymaniyah under the oversight of Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and with the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The forum is recognised as a strategic platform for dialogue, policy coordination, and regional development, addressing key issues such as security, sustainable energy, economic diversification, and innovation. The event will host prominent figures from Iraq, Greece, and beyond, including business leaders and investors dedicated to advancing trade policies, development strategies, and regional cooperation.

Davutoğlu arrived in Kirkuk before continuing on to Sulaymaniyah, where he held talks with Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha. According to a statement from the governor’s press office, the discussions focused on the local government's efforts to enhance public services and reinforce security and stability in the region.

They also explored the involvement of Turkish companies in economic and investment projects in Kirkuk, aiming to boost joint coordination between Iraq and Turkey. This initiative aligns with support for the federal government’s strategy to strengthen bilateral economic ties and regional development.



PUKMEDIA