Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received the United States’ Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Matthew Tueller and his accompanying delegation, in Erbil today.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues including the latest political developments in the country, particularly following the recent ruling of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq regarding oil and gas sectors in the Kurdistan Region.

On this subject, the President shared his opinion about how the ruling was issued and also ways to resolve the question, reiterating that the current critical period in Iraq requires that the Federal Court and all Iraqi sides seek resolution of the issues.

The President also clarified that the Kurdistan Region has always demonstrated its readiness to solve the problems with the Iraqi Federal Government on the basis of the constitution, emphasizing that such measures will not help stability in the country, and that all sides should seek solutions and preserve stability.

At the meeting, both sides agreed that following the last October parliamentary elections, the friends and allies of Iraq looked forward to the formation of the new government, preserving stability and promoting the democratic progress in Iraq. They reiterated the importance of partnership and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi Federal Government especially in the fight against terrorism which still poses real dangers in Iraq and Syria.

Discussions also focused on the elections in the Kurdistan Region as President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region Presidency will work together with the relevant authorities on this subject and continues to communicate with the political parties to ensure that elections are held on time.

The status of the Peshmarga and its reform and unification process with the support from the United States and other partners were also highlighted. Both sides agreed that despite the progress achieved in this regard, the process still needs further efforts and that the support of the US and allies of the Kurdistan Region continues to be needed.

Other topics of discussion included the economic sector and the importance of encouraging foreign investments and capital in the Kurdistan Region, the importance of the independence of the courts in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the continuing partnership of Iraq with the international community.