Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 30, 2021

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received Ms. Jennifer Gavito, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran and Iraq, in Erbil on Thursday.

At the meeting, also attended by the US Consul General, the relations of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq with the United States were highlighted. Ms. Gavito reaffirmed that the US views Iraq as a significant partner and stressed that the US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are friendly based on long-term strategic partnership which cover many areas. Ms. Gavito viewed the stability of Iraq as important and necessary to maintain stability in the wider region. Both sides agreed that this visit is important and timely to demonstrates the US engagement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Mrs. Gavito reiterated America’s commitment to continue its support for reforms in the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and the reorganization of the Ministry’s forces, noting that the US can assist and participate in the Kurdistan Region in other areas including in security, energy, economy and education. She also referred to her visit to Erbil Castle and the restoration process at the historical site, stressing that they will encourage American investments in the Kurdistan Region, particularly through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) which provides financial support to investment projects.

President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated Mrs. Gavito on assuming the new office, commended the continued US support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and reiterated the readiness of the Kurdistan Region to strengthen relations with the US and to expand mutual cooperation. The President also referred to the increasing investment opportunities for American businesses in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Discussions also covered the upcoming elections in Iraq and the importance of the ongoing preparations to hold fair and free polls in the country. The President hoped that the elections would provide another opportunity for all Iraqi forces and parties to work together and implement the Constitution and the federal system.

The Iraq-US Strategic Dialogue, the latest political and security developments in Iraq, the challenges facing the country, the threats of terrorism and ISIS operations in Iraq and the wider region, the tasks of the International Coalition in Iraq, the relations of Erbil and Baghdad and other issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.