In a phone call on Wednesday, May 28, with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the importance of enhancing the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
“I reaffirmed our shared commitment to peace, stability, and the strong partnership between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the United States, and conveyed our deep gratitude for America’s steadfast support over the years,” the President of the Kurdistan Region posted on X about the phone call.
They also discussed economic and energy cooperation, as well as the need to maintain coordination to foster stability and peace in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said in a readout of the phone call.
I appreciate tonight’s call from Secretary Rubio, during which we discussed developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) May 28, 2025
I reaffirmed our shared commitment to peace, stability, and the strong partnership between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the United…
Read More: Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Barzani Discuss U.S-Kurdistan Ties
According to the readout, Secretary Rubio expressed his appreciation to the Kurdish leader for his contributions in addressing the challenges between the federal government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) through understanding and constructive dialogue.
Additionally, Secretary Rubio also emphasized that the support of the United States for the Kurdistan Region will remain a fundamental aspect of the strategic relationship between the United States and Iraq.
In response, Barzani expressed his gratitude to the United States for its support to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Read More: U.S. Secretary of State Reaffirms Support for Kurdistan: Spokesperson
U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday, May 27, that during last week’s meeting with KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Secretary Rubio reaffirmed U.S. support for a strong and resilient Kurdistan Region.
Had a productive discussion with Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. Cooperation between the U. S. and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region contributes to the stability within Iraq and the broader region. Key economic partnerships with U.S. companies also benefit both the…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 28, 2025
“The Secretary commended the Prime Minister for finalizing deals with U.S. companies to expand natural gas production in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which will help Iraq move toward energy independence,” she said.
Read More: KRG Signs Major Energy Deals with U.S. Companies
Last week, the KRG signed two multi-billion-dollar agreements with HKN Energy and WesternZagros Resources, estimated to be worth a combined $110 billion
