On Tuesday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received U.S. Consul General in Erbil Wendy Green after months of absence due to security risks related to the U.S.-Iran war.

KRG Prime Minister Barzani warmly welcomed Consul General Green as they assessed the new era of Kurdistan and Iraq’s relationship with the United States after the end of Operation Inherent Resolve’s mission in Iraq, the KRG readout said.

They also discussed developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.

Both officials underscored the importance of preserving the Kurdistan Region’s security and stability and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

They emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral trade and encouraging greater investment by U.S. companies in the Kurdistan Region.

They also highlighted the need to reactivate the Kurdistan Parliament as a key step toward forming the KRG’s new cabinet.

The two officials further discussed relations between the KRG and the federal government of Iraq, stressing the importance of resolving outstanding issues in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution. 

They also underlined the need to uphold the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status and ensure its financial entitlements, including a fair allocation of its share of the federal budget.