Erbil, Kurdistan region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, yesterday received United States Under-Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Christine E. Wormuth along with her military and diplomatic delegation.

In the meeting, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the US delegation congratulated the people and government of the Kurdistan Region on the successful liberation of Sinjar. They expressed their condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

The delegation noted the Sinjar operation was an important achievement of cooperation between the Peshmerga and coalition forces that would diminish the Islamic State terrorist organisation, ISIS, capability in the region and help liberate other areas.

The US delegation also offered assistance and cooperation in the reconstruction of the liberated areas.

Prime Minister Barzani conveyed the gratitude of the President of the Kurdistan Region, the people, and the government to the United States and other coalition forces for their military support that enabled Sinjar to be liberated in minimal time and with minimal casualties. He expressed his wish that the support would continue in order to liberate other parts of Iraq.

Prime Minster Barzani stated that the Kurdistan Regional Government, KRG, will do its best in the liberated areas for reconstruction and providing basic services.

In the face of severe financial constraints, however, he said the KRG needs the support of the international community.

Relations between Erbil and Baghdad, as well as the relations between Kurdistan Region and United States, were also discussed in the meeting.