Erbil: The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, held a meeting with an American delegation led by US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Taylor. The meeting was also attended by the US Consul General to the region, Steve Bittner, and the US State Department’s Special Envoy to Northeast Syria, Scott Boles.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations and efforts related to forming the new ministerial cabinet of the regional government. The latest developments in Iraq and the broader region were also topics of discussion. The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State highlighted the significance of the Kurdistan Region as a partner to the United States.

Both parties concurred on the necessity of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region promptly. The suspension of these exports has adversely affected the Iraqi federal general budget. The discussions further delved into securing the financial rights and dues of the Kurdistan Region.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the region has met its obligations within the general budget framework, urging Baghdad to fulfill its duty to send the region’s dues as a federal and constitutional entity. Additionally, the meeting addressed the situation in Syria, stressing the importance of maintaining security and stability and ensuring the rights of the Kurdish people and all its components.