Nechirvan Barzani, Rubio Reaffirm U.S.–Kurdistan Region Ties

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed in a phone call on Wednesday the “ongoing partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region”, according to statements released by both sides.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening their strategic relationship and expanding cooperation in economic and energy sectors. The call also addressed the need for continued coordination to support peace and stability across Iraq, Syria and the wider region.

On May 19, the Kurdistan Regional Government signed two multibillion-dollar gas development deals in D.C. with U.S. energy firms HKN Energy and WesternZagros. While welcomed by U.S. officials, the agreements drew strong objections from Iraq’s federal government, which argues that such contracts violate court rulings and constitutional provisions governing oil and gas resources.

Three days later, Masrour Barzani met Rubio in Washington reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties between Erbil and the U.S

Full statement from Kurdistan precidency:

President Nechirvan Barzani received a telephone call this evening from Mr. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State.

During their conversation, they highlighted the importance of enhancing the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. 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 US Secretary of State expressed his appreciation to President Nechirvan Barzani for his contributions in addressing the challenges between the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government through understanding and constructive dialogue.

Secretary Rubio 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, President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude to the United States for its support to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Full statement from U.S. Department of State:

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) President Nechirvan Barzani. Secretary Rubio and President Barzani discussed the importance of continued cooperation to promote stability and prosperity in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region. The Secretary commended the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for its partnership with U.S. companies and its efforts to harness domestic resources for Iraq’s energy independence. The Secretary emphasized that U.S. support for the IKR would remain a key aspect of the U.S. relationship with Iraq.