In a bid to bolster diplomatic ties and discuss pressing regional issues, a delegation from the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region engaged in a series of pivotal meetings with senior American officials in Washington D.C.

The delegation, led by Fuzi Hariri, Chief of Staff to the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, convened with key figures including Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor to President Biden for Energy and Investment Affairs; Ezra Zia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights; Daniel Shapiro, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Affairs; and Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs.

The discussions, which took place on Friday, February 9, 2024, encompassed a wide array of topics. Central to the agenda were issues related to energy, particularly the resumption of oil exports, crucial for the economic stability of the Kurdistan Region. The upcoming parliamentary elections in Kurdistan and the intricate dynamics of relations between Erbil and Baghdad were also deliberated upon.

Moreover, the delegation shed light on the plight of minorities and displaced persons, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and freedom of expression. Additionally, they addressed the implementation of the Sinjar Agreement and the ongoing reform efforts within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

The meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss broader regional developments, including the tense situation in the Middle East and the implications of the conflict in Gaza. Of particular significance was the exploration of possibilities for mitigating tensions and fostering stability in the region.

The Kurdistan delegation's engagement in high-level discussions underscores the commitment of the Kurdistan Region to advancing its strategic partnership with the United States and addressing key challenges facing the region.

In attendance were prominent Kurdish officials including Falah Mustafa, Assistant Head of the Kurdistan Region for Foreign Affairs; Nyaz Saleh, Head of Foreign and Diplomatic Relations at the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region; and Treveza Aziz, Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Washington. Their presence underscores the importance placed on fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration between Kurdistan and its international partners.