Assistant Secretary Pyatt commends energy progress in Kurdistan Region

Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – In a significant demonstration of the deepening ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt, accompanied by Ambassador Romanowski, participated in a pivotal press conference alongside Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

Read More: PM Barzani, US Assistant Secretary Pyatt highlight energy cooperation in Erbil

The event underscored the importance of energy cooperation and highlighted the region's strides towards energy self-sufficiency.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation, Assistant Secretary Pyatt conveyed the impact of his visit, emphasizing the region's abundance of energy resources and its pivotal role in Iraq's energy landscape.

Drawing parallels to oil-producing regions in the United States, Pyatt likened the Kurdish landscape to "a little Oklahoma," underscoring its potential for growth and development.

The visit commenced with a tour of the Mass Global facility, a key partner for GE Vernova in the realm of clean energy solutions.

Pyatt lauded Mass Global's global initiatives, including ventures extending to Europe, as emblematic of the region's commitment to meeting international energy standards.

At the Khurmala facility, Pyatt commended Sheikh Baz for his leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and economic prosperity.

He praised efforts to mitigate climate impact through innovative measures such as gas abatement and flaring cessation, echoing discussions held with Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani and his ministers.

Pyatt emphasized Iraq's potential to enhance resource efficiency for the benefit of its citizens and to bolster self-sufficiency.

He underscored the shared goal of building a sovereign, prosperous Iraq that aligns with democratic principles, echoing sentiments expressed during Prime Minister Sudani's recent visit to the United States.

Reflecting on the visit to Erbil, Pyatt acknowledged the pivotal role of the US Consul General and the embassy in Baghdad in fostering commercial linkages.

He underscored the importance of the energy capital, Houston, in shaping bilateral relations, noting its significance in the region's economic lifeline.

Looking ahead, Pyatt expressed optimism about furthering energy collaboration between the United States and Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.

He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Barzani to visit the United States, reaffirming the commitment to nurturing a robust partnership focused on prosperity, stability, and sustainability.

The press conference illuminated the shared commitment to advancing energy cooperation, underscoring the pivotal role of the Kurdistan Region in shaping Iraq's energy landscape and fostering bilateral ties with the United States.

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.)