President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil a delegation from the United States headed by US Ambassador to Baghdad, Mr. Matthew Tueller, and accompanied by Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, Major General John Brennon, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iran and Iraq, Ms. Jennifer Gavito, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, with responsibility for the Levant and Syria, Mr. Ethan A. Goldrich, US Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Matthew Pearl, and a number of officials including US Consul General in Erbil.

The meeting covered a wide range of pressing issues including the latest developments regarding the political process in Iraq, the security status in the country, and the threats of ISIS resurgence in Iraq and Syria. Discussions also focused on US relations with Iraq and Syria, the recent ruling of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq on oil and gas sectors in the Kurdistan Region, the reform process in Peshmarga Ministry and the developments in the Kurdistan Region.

The visiting delegation reaffirmed the US commitment to further developing partnership and bilateral relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the importance of cooperation and coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmarga to fight ISIS. Both sides agreed that consensus and unity among political factions in the Kurdistan Region will strengthen the position of the Kurdistan Region and further advances its interests.

The President noted that Iraq is experiencing a political gridlock at present with no shared understanding to move the political process forward. The President underlined that all political parties in Iraq should recognize that the opportunity is at hand to correct the political process. The President expressed his appreciation for the US support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, reiterating the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to resolve the issues in accordance with the Constitution.

Other topics of discussion included the human rights and liberties and status of women in the Kurdistan Region, the latest developments in Syria and the wider region, and other issues of mutual interest.