U.S. Envoy Meets Barzani, Voices Support for Iraq's Stability and Kurdistan's Role
Iraq and the region are in vital need of stability," said Tom Barrack, the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq, during talks with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani in Pirmam on Tuesday.
According to a statement from Barzani Headquarters, Barrack conveyed greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump and praised Barzani's "pivotal role and status" in maintaining stability in Iraq and the wider Middle East.
The U.S. envoy said the Kurdistan Region plays a "significant and highly valued role" in promoting stability, both now and in the future, and expressed admiration for the region's growth and development, describing it as exemplary.
For his part, Barzani reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region has consistently been a factor for stability and has always favored dialogue and diplomatic solutions to the challenges facing Iraq and the region.
While the Kurdistan Region has never been a party to regional conflicts, it has often borne the consequences of wars and disputes in the Middle East, Barzani said, adding that the region must move toward an era of stability and prosperity for its people.
Support for Iraqi Government and State Authority
The meeting also focused on cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq's new federal government.
Barrack stressed the importance of stabilizing and safeguarding Iraq's political system and preserving the state's authority over armed actors outside government control. He reiterated U.S. support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's efforts to disarm militias and bring all armed groups under the authority of the Iraqi state.
Barzani, in turn, reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Al-Zaidi, emphasizing that all political parties should learn from past mistakes and work within the framework of the Iraqi constitution based on partnership, balance, and consensus.
Shared Priorities for Long-Term Partnership
The two sides also exchanged views on broader regional developments and agreed to work together on a set of shared priorities aimed at ensuring the stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
According to the statement, both sides expressed support for building a long-term strategic partnership focused on economic development and encouraging investment, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between Washington, Baghdad and Erbil.
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