President Barzani Meets US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in Salahaddin
In a significant diplomatic encounter, President Masoud Barzani hosted US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Taylor in Salahaddin on Wednesday. The meeting, also attended by US Consul General in Erbil Mark Straw, delved into crucial matters concerning the Kurdistan Region and its relationship with the United States.
Central to the discussion was the recent visit of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister to Washington, which was hailed as a serious and fruitful engagement. President Barzani and Deputy Assistant Secretary Taylor assessed the political landscape in Iraq, emphasizing the importance of stability and cooperation between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Iraqi Government. They underscored the pivotal role of coalition forces in maintaining stability not only in Iraq but also across the broader region.
The forthcoming elections were a prominent agenda item during the meeting. President Barzani reiterated his support for the electoral process, emphasizing its significance in ensuring democratic representation. However, he also expressed concern regarding the decision of the Federal Court concerning the final elimination of communities, denouncing it as an infringement on community rights and an attempt to undermine their participation in the electoral process.
The dialogue between President Barzani and Deputy Assistant Secretary Taylor also touched upon the enduring relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual cooperation in various spheres.
Overall, the meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Kurdistan Region and the United States to promote stability, democracy, and constructive engagement in Iraq and the wider region.
