PM Barzani, US Assistant Secretary Pyatt highlight energy cooperation in Erbil
"Today's visit has left a powerful impression on me in terms of the energy abundance of this region and its importance to the energy self-sufficiency of all of Iraq," Pyatt said.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt held a joint press conference in Erbil, underscoring the strengthening ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in the energy sector.
Prime Minister Barzani welcomed Assistant Secretary Pyatt, Ambassador Romanowski, and their delegation to the region.
He expressed gratitude for the ongoing US support in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region's energy sector. "We’ve heard about the United States interest and support to all of Iraq and Kurdistan Region in this sector. We are very grateful for your support," Barzani stated.
Assistant Secretary Pyatt highlighted the significant impact of his visit to the energy facilities in the region, drawing comparisons to oil-producing areas in the United States such as Oklahoma.
"Today's visit has left a powerful impression on me in terms of the energy abundance of this region and its importance to the energy self-sufficiency of all of Iraq," he said.
Pyatt emphasized the importance of partnerships with local companies like Mass Global, which collaborates with GE Vernova on cutting-edge clean energy solutions.
He noted the global reach of Mass Global’s operations, which extend to Europe, and praised the advancements in meeting world energy standards.
At the Khurmala facility, Pyatt commended the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth represented by the site.
He highlighted the initiatives to manage climate impact through the reduction of gas flaring, an issue also discussed with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani and his ministers.
"Iraq has the capacity to be much more efficient in the use of its resources, benefiting all citizens and increasing self-sufficiency," Pyatt remarked.
Pyatt expressed enthusiasm for the strong energy services relationship between the US and Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.
He praised the local partners' focus on collaboration and the understanding of American business operations. "We have a shared interest in building prosperity, stability, and sustainability," he added.
Looking ahead, Pyatt expressed hope for continued discussions and collaboration, inviting Prime Minister Barzani to the United States to further the relationship.
"I look forward to, at some point in the future, welcoming Prime Minister Barzani back to the United States so we can continue working on what is a very important relationship," Pyatt concluded.
The visit underscored the mutual commitment to strengthening ties and advancing energy cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Read More: U.S. Energy Envoy visits Baghdad, Erbil; Follows Up on Visits of Iraqi, Kurdish PMs to Washington
The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources, Geoffrey Pyatt, is traveling to Baghdad and Erbil.
His trip follows up on issues discussed during the visit to Washington in late February of Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG.)
