Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the Deputy Commander of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, Major General Walter Piatt and US Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region Steven Fagin with their accompanying delegation.

General Piatt highly valued the close cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the United States that led to success of the recent joint military operation of coalition forces and Peshmerga against ISIS in the Qarachokh Mountain.

He stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between Peshmerga and Iraqi forces to eliminate risks of terrorism both in the present and future.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed appreciation for support of the coalition forces in general and the United States in particular to the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga and hoped it would continue. He affirmed the readiness of the Kurdistan Region to coordinate and cooperate with the Iraqi army and coalition forces to eliminate the threat of terrorism.

He pointed out that great sacrifices have been made by Peshmerga forces who are protecting all communities without any exception or discrimination.

He also highlighted the political process in Iraq and hoped the new Iraqi government will be formed soon and the issues between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad will be settled.

Kurdistan Region Presidency Chief of Staff Dr. Fuad Hussein, Minister of Interior and acting Minister of Peshmarga Affairs Karim Sinjari, and KRG Spokesperson Safeen Dizayee also attended the meeting.

Developments in the wider region were also discussed.