The two-day forum, in cooperation with Harvard and Cambridge universities and several reputable research and scientific institutions, witnessed the participation of about 124 academics from 40 countries.

On the sidelines of the forum, Sheikh Al-Khanjar met with several government officials and leaders of political blocs, stressing the need to keep the Iraqi arena away from regional conflicts and preserve the country’s sovereignty, strengthening the internal front and social cohesion among the people of one Iraq, and protecting it from the repercussions of any security developments that the region may witness.

The meeting stressed the need to adhere to the principle of peaceful coexistence among all the original components in the governorate and the importance of preventing exclusion and marginalization in decision-making circles in the local government of Kirkuk, also included an emphasis on the need for concerted efforts to preserve the security and stability gains achieved in the province. 

Sheikh Al-Khanjar praised the role of the Turkmen brothers in preserving the unity and cohesion of the social fabric of the governorate through their well-known national positions, calling on the parties participating in the provincial council to move towards managing and rebuilding Kirkuk and serving its people with all their components.

Turan appreciated Sheikh al-Khanjar’s national stances and his moves, aimed at strengthening the home front by closing ranks and unity of speech among all components and prioritizing the public interest over partisan and factional interests.