Prominent Kurdish politician Leyla Zana met with PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani in Sulaymaniyah on Saturday, reinforcing commitments to peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue through dialogue and honoring the legacy of late President Mam Jalal.
Historic Meeting Strengthens Kurdish Political Bonds
Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), welcomed renowned Kurdish politician Leyla Zana at his residence in Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah, marking a significant moment in Kurdish political unity. The meeting, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, demonstrated the continued collaboration between Kurdish leaders in pursuing peaceful solutions to regional challenges.
During their encounter, Talabani praised Zana’s unwavering dedication to the Kurdish cause, drawing parallels to her relationship with the late President Mam Jalal. “Just as you were a heroic Kurdish woman to President Mam Jalal, who often praised your bravery, just as you stood strong then, your struggle and courage will always live on with us as well,” Talabani expressed, acknowledging her enduring influence on Kurdish politics.
The PUK leader emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful approaches to conflict resolution, stating that recent efforts have yielded promising results. He reinforced the organization’s commitment to dialogue as the primary mechanism for achieving lasting regional stability.
Commitment to Peace Process Reaffirmed
The discussion centered heavily on the ongoing peace process in Turkey and North Kurdistan, with both leaders expressing optimism about current developments. Talabani articulated the PUK’s position clearly: “We are pleased that our efforts have reached this stage, and we reaffirm that the only path to regional stability lies in resolving the Kurdish issue through dialogue.”
Zana reciprocated the sentiment, acknowledging the PUK’s instrumental role in facilitating peace initiatives. She emphasized the historical significance of President Mam Jalal’s pioneering efforts in establishing the foundation for current peace negotiations. “We will never forget that President Mam Jalal was the first leader to initiate efforts to resolve this historic issue,” she declared.
The veteran politician expressed particular appreciation for Bafel Jalal Talabani’s continuation of his late father’s diplomatic legacy. She highlighted his influential role during this critical period, noting how his leadership maintains the momentum established by previous generations of Kurdish leaders.
Honoring Mam Jalal’s Legacy
Prior to her meeting with the PUK president, Zana visited the mausoleum of President Mam Jalal, where she paid tribute to his contributions to the Kurdish liberation movement. The ceremonial visit included laying flowers at the grave site, accompanied by respectful honors from the Secretariat Bureau of President Mam Jalal.
During her tribute, Zana reflected on the late president’s pivotal role in advancing Kurdish rights and the broader national struggle. She specifically commended his efforts in promoting the peace process in Turkey, recognizing his foresight in pursuing diplomatic solutions to longstanding conflicts.
“Today, in his spiritual presence, we proudly recall his historic contributions. We remain committed to following in his footsteps to ensure the success of the peace process and to promote brotherhood among nations—especially Kurds, Turks, and Arabs,” Zana stated, emphasizing the continuing relevance of his diplomatic philosophy.
The meeting between these prominent Kurdish figures represents a significant moment in regional politics, demonstrating unified commitment to peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue while honoring the foundational work of previous leaders in establishing frameworks for ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
