The Great Wall Association in China has announced the appointment of Ambassador Dr. Muhammed Sabir, President of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation, as the Honorary President of the Great Wall Association for its second term (2026–2027).
A formal letter from the Great Wall Association to the President of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation stated:
"In consideration of your outstanding efforts and contributions in promoting friendship and cooperation between China and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, you are cordially invited to assume the position of Honorary President of the 'Great Wall Association' for the second year term (2026–2027)."
The association further mentioned in its letter to Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Sabir:
"Your guidance and advice are highly appreciated for the GWA upcoming events and activities."
In response to this appointment, Ambassador Dr. Mohammed Sabir sent letters of gratitude to the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in the Kurdistan Region and to the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Iraq.
The President of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation said:
"It gives me great pleasure and honor to witness the establishment of this association in the Kurdistan Region. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Consulate General of China in Erbil, and in particular to Mr. Liu Jun, for his great role in the success of this significant endeavor.
We hope this association will play an important role in strengthening the friendly relations between the peoples of Kurdistan and China, contribute to deepening cooperation in the fields of culture and trade, and become a new bridge in our enduring and fruitful relationship."
He added:
"I wish the Great Wall Association in the Kurdistan Region every success. I take pride in any task entrusted to me as long as it serves both the Chinese and Kurdish peoples."
Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Sabir also stated:
"It is a great honor for me to participate in this important event—the official ceremony for the establishment of the Chinese Great Wall Association in the Kurdistan Region."
The President of the President Jalal Talabani Foundation further noted:
"We are all familiar with the Chinese Great Wall. It was built over two thousand years ago, in the 7th century BC, and today stands as one of the world's most important engineering landmarks, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Wall is a symbol of wisdom, cultural richness, and connection. It has preserved China's civilization through the centuries and facilitated the exchange of ideas and goods along what is known today as the Silk Road."
He added:
"It is most fitting that this new step in the friendship between our two peoples bears the name of this Wall.
During my tenure as Iraq's Ambassador to China, I had the honor of observing up close the impactful activities of the Great Wall Association in Beijing and participating in its events.
I witnessed how the association brings together Chinese elites dedicated to deepening mutual understanding and civilizational exchange among peoples."