Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), extended birthday congratulations to his brother and Deputy Prime Minister, Qubad Talabani, describing him as a key ally and praising their political and personal partnership.

"Happy Birthday to my dear brother and best friend!" Talabani said in a message on Tuesday, noting that "through every season of life, you have been my rock, my sounding board, and my greatest ally."

"Having you by my side isn't just a blessing, it’s the anchor that keeps me grounded no matter what comes our way," he added.

Talabani stressed that he considers himself fortunate to have found both family and a true friend in one individual, expressing pride in his brother's development as a "man, leader, and brother."

He expressed confidence in his brother's future, emphasizing that the upcoming year would bring "greater success, strength, and happiness."

"Thank you for always completing the puzzle, keeping me sharp, straight , true and being the best friend anyone could ever ask for," he remarked.

The PUK President concluded the message by stating, "Here’s to celebrating you today and to everything we’ll achieve together in the years ahead."

Inside the Career of Kurdish Leader Qubad Talabani

Qubad Talabani is a Kurdish politician serving as Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) since 2014. He is the son of the late Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, founder of the PUK.

Born in 1977, Talabani was raised in Surrey, UK, by his maternal grandparents. He holds a diploma in Motor Vehicle Engineering from Carshalton College and a degree in Mechanical and Automotive Systems Engineering from Kingston University.

His political career includes serving as a U.S. liaison from 2000 to 2012, overseeing relations with the Coalition Provisional Authority and representing the KRG in the U.S. He has played a key role in drafting Iraq’s Transitional Administrative Law.

Since becoming Deputy Prime Minister, he has focused on economic reforms, digital development, and governance, while addressing challenges from conflict and displacement. He is fluent in Kurdish and English and is known to be a passionate football supporter.