President Nechirvan Barzani received Brigadier General Keith C. Phillips, Senior US Defense Official and Defense Attaché, and his accompanying delegation, in Erbil today.

The meeting focused on the latest security developments in Iraq, countering ISIS threats and danger, and emphasizing on the importance of cooperation and coordination between the Peshmarga and the Iraqi army, particularly in areas with security vacuum.

Discussions also included the latest on the reform process in the Peshmarga Ministry, with both sides agreeing on the significance of the unification of the Peshmarga forces, as well as the continuation of the US support to the reform process and training of the Peshmarga. The delegation valued President Nechirvan Barzani’s role in the unification and reform process of the Peshmarga.

The visiting delegation reiterated that ‏fighting and defeating ISIS remains a priority for the United States, and to achieve this objective, the US will continue to work with partners in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region and in the wider region. The delegation also commended cooperation between the Peshmarga and the Iraqi army.

Other issues discussed were Erbil-Baghdad relations, threats posed by ISIS in Syria and the status of the Al-Hawl Camp in the country, the latest developments of the war in Ukraine and other topics of mutual interest.