The outgoing U.S. Consul General Steven Bitner, in a farewell message in Kurdish on Thursday, thanked the people of the Kurdistan Region and expressed his pride in all that had been accomplished during his tenure to help make the region strong and resilient.
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“It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to the Kurdistan Region. As I reflect on my time as the U.S. Consul General, I am appreciative of the people and experiences that have made this journey unforgettable,” he said. “From Zakho to Halabja, I have truly enjoyed seeing the serene landscapes, visiting the beautiful historical sites, and engaging with the people of the Kurdistan Region.”
CG Bitner expresses gratitude as he bids farewell to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region! pic.twitter.com/E2E2vXMm7H
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) August 14, 2025
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Steven Bitner began his service as the Consul General at U.S. Consulate General Erbil in August 2024, and was replaced by the newly appointed U.S. Consul General in Erbil Wendy Green, who he introduced at a farewell ceremony on Thursday.
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At the event, Consul General Bitner thanked the attendees for their close partnership in working to ensure the Kurdistan Region of Iraq becomes stronger and more resilient.
“ Through our effective security cooperation, we conducted many joint operations that helped deter threats to both our people. We partnered to empower women, youth, and vulnerable communities across the region,” he continued in the video message.
On his final day as U.S. Consul General, CG Bitner introduced incoming CG Green to our IKR and international partners. CG Bitner thanked the attendees for their close partnership in working to ensure the IKR becomes stronger and more resilient. pic.twitter.com/zsVVqqhBBf
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) August 14, 2025
“We provided students with educational training and exchange programs to prepare them for their future careers. We expanded the economic partnerships between U.S. and Kurdish companies, developing new investments and jobs. Even though I am sad to leave, I look forward to returning to the Kurdistan Region in the future to see how much it has grown.
“Once again, thank you to the people of the Kurdistan Region for your friendship with the United States. We share many common goals and common interests and I am proud that we stand together as we work to create a better future.”
