Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received United States Congressman Stephen Lynch and his accompanying delegation last week to discuss cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.

Congressman Lynch was joined by a number of officials from the American Consulate and his own advisors, and expressed his pleasure in visiting the Kurdistan Region for a second time. He emphasised the importance that both the Democratic and Republican parties attach to the Kurdistan Region and the value of visiting the Region to better assess the situation.

The Congressman highlighted the efforts that his colleagues in Congress from both parties are making in order to assist the Kurdistan Region in its fight against the ISIS terrorists, stating that Kurdistan has earned a great reputation and therefore deserves all support and assistance. The Region is considered a key ally of the United States, having proved time and again that it protects civilians regardless of ethnicity, religion, or sect and respects human rights. He added that the Kurdistan Region is viewed as a successful model for the region.

Prime Minister Barzani briefed the delegation on the latest developments in the Region, especially regarding military matters, highlighting the progress made by the Kurdish Peshmerga forces. He also drew attention to the heavy financial and administrative burden borne by the Kurdistan Regional Government due to the war against ISIS and the decision by the Government of Iraq to cut the Kurdistan Region’s share of the federal budget since January.

The Prime Minister expressed the gratitude of his government and the people of Kurdistan for continued American support for the Region and its people. He added that the Kurdistan Region is proud of the progress made by the Peshmerga forces, urging the United States to continue supporting the Peshmerga and further expand operations against the ISIS terrorists. He asked for heavy weapons that are desperately needed as the Peshmerga forces combat the terrorists, as well as American assistance in military organisation.

During the meeting both sides discussed the situation of displaced people and refugees, and Prime Minister Barzani asked for more assistance to help meet humanitarian needs. He also pointed to the importance of American NGOs and allied countries coming and aiding the refugees and displaced. The Prime Minister explained that KRG officials and institutions are cooperating closely with United Nations agencies and working well together as they provide aid to refugees and displaced people.

The two sides also discussed the situation and recent developments on the ground in Syria, the political process in Iraq, the role of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq’s federal government, and relations between Erbil and Baghdad. Prime Minister Barzani said that this relationship should be based upon principles of genuine partnership, stressing that the KRG remains committed to resolving all problems and obstacles through dialogue and understanding.

Congressman Lynch reiterated to the Prime Minister that the Kurdistan Region has many friends in Congress, and that his colleagues are aware of the progress and development of the Kurdistan Region. The Congressman and his delegation said that they would discuss their experience in Kurdistan with members of Congress and work to ensure continued cooperation with the Region as well as further congressional visits in the future.