On Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack, Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria, conveyed U.S. President Donald Trump’s greetings to President Masoud Barzani and expressed appreciation for President Barzani’s role in promoting stability in Iraq and the wider region.

During the meeting, the U.S. Special Envoy conveyed President Trump’s greetings to President Barzani and expressed his pleasure at meeting him. 

He also voiced appreciation for President Barzani’s role and position in promoting stability in Iraq and the region. 

He emphasized that Iraq and the wider region need stability and noted that the Kurdistan Region currently plays, and will continue to play, an important and valuable role in that regard. He also expressed admiration for the Kurdistan Region’s growth and development, describing it as exemplary.

For his part, President Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region has always been a factor of stability and has consistently supported dialogue and diplomatic solutions to all of Iraq’s and the region’s challenges. 

He stressed that the Kurdistan Region has never been part of the problems but has often unfairly borne the consequences of regional wars and conflicts. President Barzani also emphasized the need for the Middle East to move toward a stable and prosperous future for its people.

Another part of the meeting focused on the importance of cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s new government. 

Ambassador Barrack discussed the need to strengthen and preserve Iraq’s political system and safeguard the state’s role in controlling non-state armed groups. He reaffirmed his support for the Iraqi federal prime minister in the process of disarming militias and bringing them under the authority of the Iraqi state.

Regarding Iraq’s new government, President Barzani reiterated his support for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and stressed that all parties should learn from past mistakes and work on the basis of partnership, balance, and compromise within the framework of the Constitution.

The two officials also exchanged views on regional developments and challenges. They agreed to work together on a number of shared priorities aimed at ensuring stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, while building a long-term strategic partnership in the economic sphere and promoting investment.