KRG Delegation Joins Annual National Day Event at UK Advanced Command and Staff Course

News : 11/29/2025

Shrevinham, United Kingdom, www.uk.gov.krd. A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government in the United Kingdom took part in the annual National Day of Officers and Culture event held for participants of the 29th Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy. The KRG delegation included Khasro Ajgay, Head of Communications and Development and Haware Wahid, Head of Trade and Investment alongside the representative of the Military Attaché of the Federal Republic of Iraq; and members of several international diplomatic missions.

The event, a tradition dating back to the 1970s, gives officers the opportunity to showcase their national dress and heritage alongside their families. The Academy describes the occasion as an important platform for strengthening cultural understanding, building partnerships, and fostering long-term professional relationships among participating nations.

This year’s course includes 98 officers from 47 countries. Upon graduation, many are expected to assume senior posts within their respective military institutions. Among them is Major Hawraz Dilawar Ismail, representing the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga. Wearing traditional Kurdish clothing, Major Ismail presented aspects of Kurdish culture, including Kurdish traditional food that drew significant attention from attendees.

Both the Iraqi Federal Ministry of Defence and the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga send officers to the course each year. For the current intake, two officers from each ministry are participating and are scheduled to complete the program in 2026.

Major Ismail described the course as a valuable opportunity to strengthen his leadership and command capabilities, build meaningful friendships with international officers, and introduce them to Kurdistan, its people, and its legitimate cause. Meanwhile, emphasising the role of the Peshmerga forces in safeguarding the security and stability of the region.

 

Defence Academy

29th November 2025