Kurdistan Region President and US Assistant Secretary of State Leaf Discuss Cooperation and Regional Affairs in Erbil

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf in Erbil to discuss US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, joint cooperation, and the political and economic landscape.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, in Erbil, the capital city of Kurdistan. The meeting, also attended by the US Ambassador to Iraq and the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, covered a wide range of topics, including US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, joint cooperation, and the political and economic landscape in the country.

Ongoing Negotiations and Security Cooperation

The dialogue addressed the situation in the Kurdistan region, as well as the ongoing negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to the framework and timetable of the joint Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and the US Department of Defense, focusing on the reform process in the Ministry and the continued reorganization and unification of the Peshmerga forces.

Economic Opportunities and Regional Developments

The talks explored cooperation avenues between the US and Kurdistan, particularly in the economic sphere, highlighting investment opportunities for US businesses and private companies in the region. The meeting also delved into the latest developments in the fight against ISIS, the wider regional situation, and several issues of mutual interest.

The officials commended the existing coordination and cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Federal Government, stressing the importance of unity among the parties of Kurdistan and the resolution of internal issues in the Kurdistan region.

As the relationship between the US and the Kurdistan Region continues to strengthen, both sides are expected to explore further opportunities for cooperation and engagement, contributing to the long-term stability and prosperity of the region.