Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), received prominent Kurdish politician Leyla Zana on Saturday in Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah, according to a statement from Talabani’s press office.

Talabani warmly welcomed Leyla Zana and praised her legacy, stating:

“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.”

Highlighting the importance of peaceful solutions, Talabani added,

“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.”

For her part, Leyla Zana expressed her gratitude to the PUK for its efforts to promote peace in North Kurdistan and Turkey.

“We will never forget that President Mam Jalal was the first leader to initiate efforts to resolve this historic issue. I am proud that Bafel Jalal Talabani is continuing on the same path and playing an influential role in this sensitive time,” she said.