On 28 May 2021, with the support of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government and strict adherence to the anti-covid measures in force, the Czech Consulate General in Erbil organized a diplomatic bazaar with extended participation - Diplomatic Friendship Bazaar.at the Czech Academic City in Erbil.

Besides the Consulate General of Czechia, Consulate Generals and Embassy Offices present in Erbil representing India, China, Romania, Greece, Armenia, Canada and Sri Lanka, representatives of the Department of Foreign Relations and representatives of the Ministry of Education participated. The largest part of the Bazaar consisted of 28 local, mostly handicraft producers with typical or new Kurdish products based on local traditions.

Small companies and organizations from all the provinces of the Kurdistan Region Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja were participating. There were also NGOs presenting the handicrafts of internally displaced people and ethnic minorities, including the Yazidis. The Erbil office of the non-governmental organization People in Need and Palacký University Olomouc - branch campus Erbil / Czech Academic City Erbil presented their activities, too.

Consulate Generals and Embassy Offices offered national products, with a large proportion of typical delicacies prepared by skilled volunteers from the ranks of employees and their families. The Czech table included traditional Czech wedding cakes, gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cake and apple strudel, unique handmade crocheted products, samples of crystal glass jewellery of company Preciosa, Czech Budweiser/Budvar beer and typical blueprint table and kitchen cloth accessories.

Selected products of Bazaar participants could also be ordered online without a physical presence at the Bazaar through a local popular food delivery company, which supported the Bazaar by offering a zero price increase for transport.

The main motto of the Bazaar was to promote friendship and mutual cultural exchange, to support local companies, and to support greener Kurdistan - all proceeds from the sale of Consulates’ and Embassies’ products were donated to tree planting in the Kurdistan Region.
As the result, 2561 Kurdish oak trees will be planted  by the Million Oaks Project at a location coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kurdish Regional Government in November 2021.

Consul General of Czechia Mr. Michal Svoboda, Head of Department of Foreign Relations H.E. Minister Safeen Dezayee and Erbil Governor Mr. Omed Khoshnaw had opened the Bazaar. H.E. Mr. Ano Abdoka, Minister of Communications, Mr. Mohammad Shukri, Chairman of the Investment Board, representatives of the Office of the President of the Kurdistan Region, representatives of  the Ministry of Religions and the Ministry of Education, Mr. Abdulah Khorshed, Director of the Iraqi Institute for the Conservation of Antiquities and Heritage in Erbil, and representatives of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and other guests were present at the opening.

Local media and on-line social networks paid increased attention to the Bazaar. All participants highly valued good organization, smooth proceedings and pleasant atmosphere of the event, attention and support of the officials and great interest of public especially. Local producers appreciated the opportunity to participate at the Diplomatic Friendship Bazaar and evaluated the event as the most successful bazaar they had ever joined.

The event brought a significant synergy effect and strengthened the good name of Czechia and Consulate General of Czechia in the Kurdistan Region.