US Ambassador Welcomes New Consul General in Erbil, Reaffirms Support for Kurdistan Region
The United States continues to strengthen its ties with the Kurdistan Region as US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, welcomed the newly appointed US Consul General in Erbil, Steven Bitner. In a statement made on her official X account, Ambassador Romanowski highlighted the importance of US-Kurdish relations and reiterated Washington's ongoing support for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
"Welcome to Steve[n] Bitner, the new US Consul General in Erbil. With CG Bitner's leadership, we look forward to strengthening our robust security relationship with the KRG, expanding educational ties between the US and IKR, and observing free and fair elections on October 20," Romanowski stated, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the US and the Kurdish leadership in Iraq.
Steven Bitner, who began his tenure in Erbil in August 2024, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Before his appointment, Bitner served as the Director of the State Department’s Office of Iraq Affairs, playing a key role in US-Iraq relations from 2022 to 2024. His extensive diplomatic career includes significant postings as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark, and as Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Athens, Greece, where he contributed to European energy security and US efforts during Greece’s economic crisis.
Welcome to Steve Bitner, new U.S. Consul General for @USCGERBIL! With CG Bitner's leadership, we look forward to deepening our strong security relationship with the KRG, expanding educational ties between the U.S. & IKR, and observing free and fair elections on October 20.…
— Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski (@USAmbIraq) August 16, 2024
Bitner's deep connection to the region is further underscored by his previous service in Iraq, where he was stationed in the Anbar and Babylon provinces as a Foreign Policy Advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority from 2003 to 2004.
In his first week, Consul General Bitner engaged with Kurdish leaders, reaffirming the US commitment to enhancing the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the United States. He underscored the KRG's crucial role in maintaining the security and stability of Iraq and the wider region.
Bitner's academic credentials include a Master of Science from the National War College and a BA in International Politics with a minor in Arabic from Brigham Young University. Fluent in Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, and Polish, Bitner is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and has received numerous accolades for his service, including the prestigious James Clement Dunn Award.
As the US and Kurdistan Region prepare for upcoming elections and continue to collaborate on security and educational initiatives, Bitner's leadership is expected to further solidify the strong ties between Washington and Erbil.
