Qahraman Osman, representing Shifa Barzani, General Supervisor of the Kurdistani Diaspora confederation, met with senior municipal and regional government officials in Yaroslavl, Russia. During the meeting, in addition to discussing cultural cooperation, the delegation requested facilitation for the admission of Kurdish students to universities in the region. The Russian side was also briefed on the activities and mission of the Diaspora Office at Barzani Headquarters.
On Monday, August 17, 2026, Qahraman Osman, accompanied by Misha Khaldian, a member of the Yaroslavl Municipal Council, as well as Dr. Mirzad Hazim, Mamo Mamoyi, and Dr. Hawal, was received by Gavrilov Igorevich, First Deputy Mayor of Yaroslavl, and Ms. Lebedeva Maria Dmitrievna, the official responsible for international relations in the Yaroslavl Region.
During a bilateral meeting, both sides discussed the importance of expanding joint cultural activities and strengthening relations between them.
In another part of the meeting, the Kurdistani Diaspora delegation provided a detailed explanation of the objectives and activities of the Diaspora Office at Barzani Headquarters. It was emphasized that the institution serves as a cultural center whose primary mission is to preserve the Kurdish language and the national identity of Kurdistanis living abroad.
It was also stressed that the office encourages members of the Kurdistan diaspora to become exemplary and productive citizens of the countries in which they reside, while staying away from illegal activities, extremism, and the use of narcotic substances.
As part of the visit’s agenda, the Kurdistan Diaspora delegation formally requested that the Russian side and the Yaroslavl Region provide the necessary support and facilitation for Kurdish students seeking admission to universities in the region, with the aim of advancing their academic development and international educational opportunities.
For their part, Yaroslavl officials expressed great satisfaction with the relationship and demonstrated their support for strengthening cultural cooperation with the Kurdish people. They also pledged to work seriously toward addressing the delegation’s requests and creating educational opportunities for Kurdish students.