Sema
In a historic encounter, President Barzani presented Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo with a plaque symbolizing the heroism of the Peshmerga, praising them as the force that “stood against ISIS for all humanity.” Mayor Hidalgo expressed deep gratitude, stating, “we owe the Peshmerga,” and pledged to showcase the gift in her office.
In Paris on Friday, President Masoud Barzani and Mayor Anne Hidalgo marked a historic day of friendship between the Kurdish and French peoples with a powerful symbolic exchange inside the municipality building.
During their meeting, President Barzani presented Mayor Hidalgo with a series of meaningful Kurdish gifts, beginning with a book that chronicles the courage of the Peshmerga and their battles against ISIS—a struggle the mayor had earlier commended.
The highlight of the exchange was a plaque honoring the Peshmerga, which President Barzani described as a tribute to the Kurdish forces who “fought ISIS on behalf of the whole world.” Accepting the gift with deep appreciation, Mayor Hidalgo said, “This gift is very precious to me. It must have a place in my office where every visitor can see it. We are indebted to the Peshmerga.”
The encounter, which followed the dedication of “Peshmerga Street” in the French capital, underscored the shared history of resilience and solidarity between Kurdistan and France.
The meeting concluded on a warm and personal note when President Barzani offered the mayor Kurdish honey. “This is the best honey of Kurdistan,” he remarked. Clearly touched, Mayor Hidalgo replied, “I am in love with Kurdistan,” and guessed it came from the mountains of Barzan. Smiling, President Barzani responded, “No, that is the honey of Kurdistan.”