ERBIL — Kurdish prominent leader Masoud Barzani on Thursday sent a Christmas message out to wish all joy and prosperity while highlighting the peaceful coexistence among different beliefs.

“Merry Christmas to all the Christians of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the rest of the world. May the times to come bring more health, joy, and prosperity to all of humankind,” the Kurdish leader said.

“On this occasion, I would like to reiterate on the culture of peaceful coexistence among the components of Kurdistan, and wish our Christian brothers and sisters to enjoy the occasion in peace,” reads the statement.

Barzani also hoped the region and world to survive the current challenges and difficulties.