On January 9, 2024, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) met with Maj. Gen. Joel B. Vowell, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria and Iraq. Also attending was Mark Stroh, the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.

Their discussions revolved around the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and Syria, centering on the objective to ensure ongoing security and stability in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Emphasising the critical role of coalition forces, both sides highlighted the importance of these forces continuing in their mission to support the Iraqi army and Peshmerga in combating terrorism and maintaining overall security and stability.

The meeting also addressed support for the reforms of the Ministry of Peshmerga and the acceleration of Peshmerga forces unification.