Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Discusses Resumption of Oil Exports with US Officials
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani engaged in discussions with US Deputies and Assistant Secretaries of State on Monday to explore avenues for resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.
During the meetings, Prime Minister Barzani convened with United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, US Undersecretary of State for Civil Security, Democracy and Human Rights Ezra Zia, and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt to delve into strategies aimed at reviving energy resources in the region.
Key topics on the agenda included the enhancement of bilateral relations, protection of community rights, fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence and religious freedom, normalization of the situation in Sinjar, and most notably, the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Turkish port.
Fruitful talks with our partners at @StateDept. Exchanged notes on Erbil-Baghdad relations. Urged continued US support for federalism and KRI’s constitutional rights.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) February 26, 2024
We also explored ways to resume KRI’s oil exports. pic.twitter.com/5ApuXi5xkV
Accompanied by a high-level delegation, PM Barzani embarked on his official visit to Washington on Sunday, extending from an invitation by Washington to discuss various critical issues encompassing bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
Prime Minister Barzani's visit to the US capital culminated in a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday, where the latter reaffirmed Washington's unwavering support for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), according to an official press release.
Highlighting the enduring partnership between the United States and the KRG, Secretary Blinken emphasized the shared values, interests, and historical sacrifices that underpin their collaboration.
In return, Prime Minister Barzani expressed gratitude for the longstanding support extended by the United States to the Kurdistan Region, affirming the deep-rooted friendship and partnership between the two entities.
