PUK Seeks to Strengthen Political and Academic Ties in Spain

P.U.K 06:06 PM - 2026-06-14

One of the meetings.

Salar Mahmoud, Head of the Foreign Relations Centre of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has stated that the primary objective of his diplomatic and academic tour of Spain, particularly Madrid and the Basque Country, was to strengthen relations with the Kurdish community and enhance cooperation with Spanish cultural and academic institutions.

Strengthening Relations with the Basque Country

Mahmoud explained that the visit began with a meeting at the headquarters of the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), where the PUK delegation was received by Miren Martiarena, a member of the party’s Political Bureau and Head of International Relations, as well as María Dolores Echarano, a member of the Spanish Senate.

Discussions focused on facilitating educational opportunities for Kurdish students in Spain, supporting the activities of the Kurdish community, and expanding cultural exchange between the Kurdistan Region and the Basque Country.

Constitutional Rights and Legal Expertise

As part of the academic programme, the delegation met with Rosario García Mahamut, President of Spain’s Centre for Political and Constitutional Studies.

During the meeting, Mahmoud outlined the legal and political status of the Kurdistan Region within the federal framework of Iraq, emphasising the importance of safeguarding the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people. The two sides also discussed ways in which the Kurdistan Region could benefit from Spain’s extensive constitutional experience in the future drafting of the Kurdistan Region’s constitution.

Mam Jalal’s Vision and the Genocide File

The delegation also visited Casa Árabe, a cultural institution affiliated with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they met with its Director-General, Ambassador Miguel Moro.

Mahmoud presented the PUK’s vision, inspired by the principles of the late President Mam Jalal, which emphasises coexistence, dialogue and genuine partnership in the governance of Iraq.

The meeting further explored the possibility of organising joint cultural programmes to commemorate the victims of the Anfal campaign, the chemical attack on Halabja and the massacres committed in southern Iraq. According to Mahmoud, these proposals received a positive response from the Spanish side.

Continuing Diplomatic Engagement

The visit forms part of the PUK Foreign Relations Centre’s broader diplomatic efforts in Europe. Recent activities have included meetings with representatives of the European Parliament, the European Union and various cultural organisations, as well as engagement with members of the Kurdish diaspora and veteran Kurdish activists living abroad.



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