In the presence of Mr. Sidad Barzani, representative of President Masoud Barzani, and Idris Nechirvan Barzani, President and Founder of the Rwanga Foundation, the Consulate General of France in Erbil, alongside Consuls General of various countries in the Kurdistan Region, political party representatives, government officials, and prominent figures, the Rwanga Foundation, in partnership with the French Consulate General and the French Institute in Erbil, unveiled the statue of the historic French leader, General Charles de Gaulle.
Choosing today's date, the 18th of June, carries profound significance, as it brings together two historic anniversaries: the crossing of the Aras River by the spiritual leader of the Kurds, the immortal Barzani, and his companions to continue the revolution (1947), and the historic appeal made by General Charles de Gaulle from London against the Nazis (1940).
This ceremony serves as a reminder of the historic letter sent in 1968 by the spiritual leader of the Kurdish nation, Mustafa Barzani, as a freedom fighter, to the then-President of France, Charles de Gaulle, requesting support for the Kurdish people’s struggle.
This appeal laid the foundation for a strong friendship and France's continuous support for the Kurdish people throughout successive crises. The erection of this statue is a symbol of our respect and loyalty to that shared history, standing as an enduring bridge between two geographies united by a shared love of freedom.
