New US Consul General in Erbil releases a bilingual video, pledges to strengthen ties, support free elections

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - On Monday, Steve Bitner, the newly appointed US Consul General in Erbil, released a video message in both Kurdish and English to mark his inauguration.

In the message, Bitner emphasized the importance of the upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections, stating, "We look forward to fair, free, and transparent elections."

Expressing his excitement for his new role, Bitner remarked, " I am happy to have this opportunity to live and work in the Kurdistan Region. During my time at the State Department, I have served in the Middle East many times, but this is my first assignment in the Kurdistan Region."

He underscored his commitment to deepening relations between Washington and Erbil and fostering closer ties between the peoples of the United States and the Kurdistan Region.

In his Kurdish address, Bitner said, "I would love to meet the people of Kurdistan Region, visit the beautiful and ancient heritage sites of Kurdistan, and try the delicious traditional Kurdish food.”

“More importantly,” he said, “I work alongside my colleagues at the Consulate to advance our relationship with the Kurdistan Region and deepen ties between our two peoples.”

Bitner also expressed the US commitment to support the democratic process in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, stating, “I look forward to a very effective and productive year in our relationship. The US is committed to supporting the democratic institutions in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In this regard, we are anticipating a free, fair, and transparent election on Oct. 20, which is a crucial milestone in the stability of the Kurdistan Region and its democracy."

Please welcome the new Consul General Steve Bitner. Watch this video! pic.twitter.com/c6Hb4G3V04

— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) August 18, 2024

He continued in English, emphasizing security cooperation and economic development: 

"We’re also looking to build strong security cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government as part of our shared commitment to building a professional and capable force to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. By working together, we can address persistent security threats to the US, the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the rest of the region."

Bitner also highlighted the US's focus on supporting the diversification of the Kurdistan Region’s economy, particularly through expanding commercial opportunities between the US and the Kurdistan Region: 

"Another area we intend to focus on in the coming year is our efforts to support you as you diversify the Kurdistan Region’s economy, in part by expanding the commercial opportunities between the US and the Kurdistan Region."

Additionally, he affirmed the US's ongoing support for the Kurdistan Region's efforts to help Iraq achieve energy autonomy and reliable power for all citizens:  "I will also continue the US support for the Kurdistan Region’s work, helping Iraq achieve its goal of energy autonomy and 24/7 power for all Iraqi citizens. Together we can unlock new possibilities for economic growth, development, and prosperity that benefit both our societies."

Bitner concluded by expressing his eagerness to engage with various leaders and communities in the Kurdistan Region: 

"Over the coming year, I look forward to having many productive engagements with local leaders, business leaders, religious leaders, and alumni of our US exchange programs, students, educators, and the civil society to learn more about the rich culture and history of this region. We have a unique opportunity to build upon our shared interests and values as we continue to further the relationship between the US and the Kurdistan Region. I look forward to embarking on this journey together."

US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski also welcomed Bitner to the Kurdistan Region on Aug.16, emphasizing the United States' dedication to strengthening security ties with the region and expressing confidence in the upcoming elections on October 20 being free and fair.

Thank you to Mark Stroh for serving as U.S. Consul General for @USCGERBIL this past year! Your leadership has helped strengthen the economic, security, and cultural ties between the U.S. & the IKR. We are excited to welcome Steve Bitner to continue this important work.

— Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski (@USAmbIraq) August 16, 2024

Full transcript of the US Consul General Steve Bitner’s Address:

In Kurdish:

Hello, my name is Steve Bitner. I am the new U.S. Consul General in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. I am happy to have this opportunity to live and work in the Kurdistan Region. During my time at the State Department, I have served in the Middle East many times, but this is my first assignment in the Kurdistan Region. I would love to meet the people of Kurdistan Region, visit beautiful and ancient heritage sites of the Kurdistan and try the delicious traditional Kurdish Food. More importantly, I work alongside my colleagues at the Consulate to advance our relationship with the Kurdistan Region and deepen times between our two peoples. I look forward t6o a very effective and productive year in our relationship. The US is committed to supporting the democratic institutions in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In this regard, we are anticipating a free, fair, and transparent election on Oct. 20, which is a crucial milestone in the stability of the Kurdistan Region and its democracy.

I will continue in English.

In English: We’re also looking to build strong security cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government as part of our shared key commitment to build a professional and capable force to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. By working together, we can address persistent security threats to the US, The Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the rest of the region.

Another area we intend to focus on in the coming year us our efforts to support you as you diversify the Kurdistan Region’s economy in part by expanding the commercial opportunities between the US and the Kurdistan Region.

I will also continue the US support for the Kurdistan Region’s work, helping Iraq achieve its goal of energy autonomy and 24/7 power for all Iraqi citizens.

Together we can unlock new possibilities for economic growth, development and prosperity that benefit both our societies.

Over the coming year, I look forward to having many productive engagements with local leaders, business leaders, religious leaders, and alumni of our US exchange programs, students, educators, and the civil society to learn more about the rich culture and history of this region. We have a unique opportunity to build upon our shared interests and values as we continue to further the relationship between the US and the Kurdistan Region. I look forward to embarking on this journey together.