Senior Kurdish leaders received U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton in Erbil on Friday, October 11, to exchange views on further strengthening the relationship between the United States, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.
A readout by the Prime Minister’s office stated that Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed gratitude for the support and assistance provided by the United States and reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s desire to further enhance bilateral relations in various fields during the meeting with Congressman Moulton.
Congressman Moulton reportedly emphasized that the Kurdistan Region is a trusted friend and ally of the United States in the region and stressed the importance of supporting the peshmerga and ensuring the security of the region.
I’m pleased to receive Congressman @RepMoulton.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) October 11, 2024
We discussed KR-US ties, progress with Peshmerga reforms, and regional developments. pic.twitter.com/bx6jIZLdoD
“We discussed KR-US ties, progress with peshmerga reforms, and regional developments,” Prime Minister Barzani posted on X.
The readout said that the key focus of the meeting was the progress in the peshmerga reform project, with both sides agreeing on the importance of supporting and accelerating the reforms and unifying the peshmerga forces.
Peshmerga soldiers are divided between political factions, with 70 units under the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and 80 units under the Kurdistan Democratic Party. The ultimate goal of the peshmerga reform project is to unite these units as Regional Guard Brigades under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs by 2026.
Other topics discussed included the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, preparations for the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections on October 20, the U.S. presidential election, and the complex situation in the Middle East, including efforts to support security and peace in the region.
Congressman Moulton, co-chair of the American Kurdish Caucus in the House, is a key advocate for the Kurdistan Region in Congress. @KRG_USA @RepMoulton https://t.co/VIj1e8R2l9
— Treefa Aziz (@treefa_aziz) October 11, 2024
In a separate meeting, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also expressed appreciation for the continued support from the United States, highlighting its critical role in assisting the Kurdistan Region.
In response, Congressman Moulton emphasized that the U.S. Congress remains committed to supporting the Kurdistan Region as a valued ally.
