In a ceremony held in the city of Moorhead, Minnesota, the strong ties between the city and the Zakho Independent Administration reached a new milestone. The event featured the announcement of a historic decision to establish “Kurdistan Friendship Park” in the United States and the opening of the first specialized eye clinic in Zakho.
Yesterday, attended by numerous government officials, educational representatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and business leaders, a special ceremony was held to celebrate the friendship between Moorhead and Zakho. The atmosphere was filled with a spirit of support and humanitarianism, honoring the deep connection forged between the two cities.
In the most significant highlight of the ceremony, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson announced a historic decision to name a city park the “Kurdistan Friendship Park.” This serves as a symbol of the enduring commitment to this friendship. During the event, a message from Gohdar Shekho, the Supervisor of the Zakho Independent Administration, was read. Although unable to attend due to official duties, Shekho expressed his immense pride in this partnership and shared his optimism for the future of their bilateral relations.
U.S. Senator Rob Kupec also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of this relationship in bringing people together. From an educational perspective, Jason Trainer, representing Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), highlighted the vital role of education in fostering this friendship. Another major announcement came from Christine Follman, representative of the “Haiti Eye Mission.” She revealed that after their successful work in Haiti, the organization is now shifting its focus toward Zakho, with plans to open the city’s first specialized eye clinic.
The event featured several other segments, including the screening of a documentary titled “Moorhead-Zakho Friendship,” produced by Chelsea Falk. The film captured the expectations of the American delegation and the beautiful realities they experienced during their visit to the Kurdistan Region. This was followed by a panel discussion where delegation members shared their personal experiences.
Furthermore, Nizar Habib, representative of the Kurdistan Diaspora Center in Minnesota, discussed their key initiatives, while a representative from the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) highlighted the foundation’s significant humanitarian efforts on a global scale. The ceremony concluded with a moving speech by Scott Holdman.
The organizers extended special thanks to Jared Pigeon, the panel moderator, as well as the City of Moorhead and Minnesota State University Moorhead for their central roles in the project’s success and for showcasing Moorhead as a globally-minded community that supports international cooperation.
The relationship between Moorhead and Zakho began as a bridge for cultural and educational exchange. Previously, a high-level official delegation from Moorhead visited Zakho to establish a long-term partnership, experiencing Kurdish culture and hospitality firsthand. These steps aim to develop the education, health, and cultural sectors between the two regions. The fruits of these efforts are now visible through the creation of a park in America and a medical clinic in Zakho—a powerful testament to coexistence and humanity that transcends borders.