Niall Innes, Senior Parliamentary Assistant to Matt Vickers MP, shares his reflections on the delegation.
"It was a privilege to join the recent delegation organised by the Centre for Kurdish Progress to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and North and East Syria. The aim was clear: to better understand the political, social, and economic dynamics of these regions, strengthen ties, and explore how international partners—including the UK—might engage more constructively. What unfolded during our visit was an eye-opening journey through resilience, ambition, and untold stories that deserve a wider audience.
The delegation itself was diverse and cross-party, comprising Members of Parliament, Lords, parliamentary staff, and Members of the European Parliament. That diversity mirrored the multifaceted nature of the regions we visited places too often reduced to headlines of conflict but teeming with complexity, culture, and aspiration.
In Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, we met with high-level officials, including Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, KDP President Masoud Barzani, and Safeen Muhsin Dizayee, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations. The conversations were candid and illuminating. One particularly striking discussion with Mr. Dizayee focused on the region’s vast oil reserves and the tensions stemming from Baghdad’s centralised approach to energy deals. The Kurdish government’s lack of direct control over its own resources not only hampers its development but also raises broader questions about autonomy, equity, and federalism in Iraq.
Before arriving, I’ll admit I had a mental image of Iraq shaped by years of conflict and media coverage. That image was quickly shattered. Erbil is a city full of life and ambition. Its economic potential, cultural vibrancy, and appetite for international collaboration make it a place not just of recovery, but of opportunity. It’s a reminder that Iraq, particularly its Kurdish region, should not be solely defined by its past.
Our journey continued to North and East Syria—specifically Rojava—where we met with a wide range of representatives: from the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Council to leaders from the Syriac Union Party, Arab political organisations, and community groups. These were not formalities; they were raw, heartfelt dialogues that revealed both the progress made and the immense challenges ahead.
One meeting that will stay with me forever was with displaced individuals from Afrin, a region occupied by Turkish-backed forces since 2018. Their accounts were harrowing stories of loss, forced displacement, and violence that no one should have to endure. Yet amid the trauma was remarkable strength. They spoke not with bitterness but with a powerful sense of hope and determination to return home and rebuild.
If there is one overarching takeaway from this trip, it is this: the people of these regions are immensely proud of their identity, history, and culture. But more than that, they are determined to build a better future—not just for themselves but for the generations to come. Whether in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq or the self-governed territories of North and East Syria, the desire for self-determination, peace, and prosperity runs deep.
Of course, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Each region operates within a unique geopolitical reality, and both face pressure from powerful neighbouring actors. But what we saw was not a people bowed by adversity, but a people who have endured—and who are still standing, building, and aspiring.
The UK and other international partners must not turn away. These are regions that need and deserve meaningful engagement, not just in words but in deeds. Investment, humanitarian support, political recognition, and partnerships can all play a role in helping them move forward. Ultimately, this delegation reminded me that real understanding only comes through presence—through listening, seeing, and speaking directly with those whose lives are impacted by the decisions we make from afar. My hope is that our visit was not an endpoint, but the beginning of deeper, more constructive relationships rooted in respect, mutual interest, and shared humanity."