The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs has been actively engaging with international coalition partners over the past weeks to advance strategic military reforms and bolster Peshmerga readiness. A series of high-level meetings with Coalition Forces have underscored the ongoing commitment to improving security and organizational capabilities within the Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan Region.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Lieutenant General Sihad Barzani, Commander of the Support Force I, hosted the Commander of Coalition Forces in Kurdistan. Discussions centered on the continued support for Peshmerga forces from Coalition partners, with the Ministry of Peshmerga emphasizing the meeting’s success in a post on X Platform.

A day earlier, on Wednesday, November 6, Lieutenant General Issa Ozer, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, welcomed Colonel Rice, Head of the Security Cooperation Office at the U.S. Consulate General in Kurdistan. In a meeting joined by senior officials and director generals from the Ministry, General Ozer discussed the status and direction of ongoing reforms, highlighting the necessity of Coalition collaboration for successful restructuring efforts. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a close relationship to further the reform process and strengthen Peshmerga capabilities.

The Ministry’s reform initiatives, aimed at restructuring and unifying the Peshmerga forces, have garnered consistent support from the international Coalition. Colonel Rice expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and pledged continued U.S. logistical assistance to the Peshmerga, alongside expanded cooperation with the Ministry.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, November 5, a comprehensive session was held with high-ranking Ministry officials, including the Secretary General and the Commander of Coalition Forces in Kurdistan. The meeting addressed plans for intensified coordination, consistent Coalition support, and reorganizing the Peshmerga structure to strengthen unity among Kurdish forces. Ministry officials expressed gratitude to the Coalition’s advisory staff, recognizing their essential role in Peshmerga training and development.

In addition to U.S. support, other international partners, including representatives from the German Parliament, the UAE’s Cooperation Training Office, and the Director of Foreign Assistance Programs at the U.S. Consulate General, have participated in discussions aimed at enhancing Peshmerga logistical capabilities. The involvement of these foreign delegations reflects a concerted international effort to empower the Peshmerga, essential for counter-terrorism and defeating ISIS remnants in the region.

The meetings reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to advance reforms and operational effectiveness within the Peshmerga, with Coalition support viewed as critical to maintaining stability and strengthening security across the Kurdistan Region.