ERBIL - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister on Friday received a phone call from US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to discuss the latest political and security developments in the region, a statement said.

"On security developments, both strongly condemned rocket and drone attacks against the Kurdistan Region, Iraqi bases, and global coalition forces. They agreed on the continued need for global coalition forces in the country and support for the Peshmerga and Iraqi Security Forces in the fight against ISIS," reads a statement by Barzani's office.

The premier further updated Blinken on KRG's aggressive reforms program, pointing out that his cabinet has already managed to increase revenues by organizing its public finance.

He also called on the US top diplomat to expand technical assistance and economic support to the KRG and encourage US investment in banking.

"On political developments, both agreed on the need and importance of more unity between Kurdish political factions," the statement added.

"During their conversation, Prime Minister Barzani and Secretary Blinken welcomed the passage of the federal budget law. The Prime Minister said KRG expects Baghdad to start payments as soon as possible, reaffirming KRG’s commitment to the law."

Barzani, meanwhile, encouraged Blinken to help provide the KRG and federal government the political space necessary to implement the budget and resolve their disputes.

"He also urged the Secretary to personally intervene to ensure the Kurdistan Region receives ‘fair and equitable’ share of international loans to Iraq. Prime Minister Barzani and Secretary Blinken also discussed the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections," the statement continued.

"They both expressed concern on nefarious groups trying to undermine a shared goal by the KRG, Iraq and the international community to hold free and credible elections and the partnership between KRG, Iraq and the United States."

The Kurdish leader recalled his ongoing dialogue with his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Sinjar security situation, with the US Secretary of State stressing on the importance of implementating the deal between Erbil and Baghdad to normalize the situation in Sinjar area.

"They both agreed to continue to stay in close contact and work with likeminded partners in Iraq," the statement concluded.

BasNews