Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 3, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil Ms. Barbara Leaf, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.
In the meeting, attended by the US Ambassador to Iraq and the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, discussions covered a wide range of issues including the US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, areas of joint cooperation, and the political and economic situation in the country. They also discussed the situation in the Kurdistan Region and the current negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad.
Both sides stressed 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 on the reform process in the Ministry and the ongoing reorganization and unification of the Peshmerga forces. They also reaffirmed the importance of unity among Kurdistan parties and resolution of internal problems in the Kurdistan Region, and commended the current coordination and cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Federal Government.
Expanding US cooperation with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, especially in the economic field, was also highlighted during the meeting. Discussions also focused on the ways to boost the economy of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the investment opportunities for US businesses and private sectors in the Kurdistan Region.
The latest developments in the fight against ISIS, the situation in the wider region and several issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.
