SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has prioritized the issue of the environment in its strategy, said President on Monday.
The PUK President Bafel Talabani said, “We will be the backer of any attempts that serve the environment of our country.”
Talabani’s words came after he received the Iraqi Minister of Environment, Nzar Amedi.
In a meeting, Talabani commended Amedi’s years-long efforts who used to be a “close” companion of late President Mam Jalal Talabani, offering considerable service in the Presidency of the republic, Talabani’s office in a statement read.
Talabani voiced confidence that the Minister will be successful in his commitment to serve the country and its people, according to the statement.
Discussions also touched upon climate change and its effects on Iraq’s environment, the office added.
“Sad to say, climate change has left a negative impact on the environment in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” said Talabani.
Moreover, Talabani stressed that they will back any attempts that serve to protect the country’s environment.
Talabani also highlighted the recent campaign that he had launched in late December to plant one million trees across Sulaimani province during the meeting.
Local authorities in Sulaimani on Tuesday announced a national campaign of planting one million trees in the province following a recommendation of Talabani, aiming at greening the Kurdistan Region.
