“Kurdistan Region a model of democracy,” US Ambassador stated
She also emphasized that the construction of a large new US consulate in Erbil demonstrates America's commitment to the "truly bilateral relationship" with the Kurdistan Region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski emphasized the strategic importance of US-Kurdistan Region relations during her address at the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum on Tuesday, highlighting the region's democratic progress and economic potential.
"The Kurdistan Region serves as both a significant source of US trade and investment across Iraq and a model of democracy that could be replicated throughout the country," Romanowski stated at the forum themed "Towards Good Governance and Prosperity."
The ambassador pointed to the high voter turnout in the recent Oct. 20 Kurdistan parliamentary elections as evidence of the region's democratic vitality.
She also emphasized that the construction of a large new US consulate in Erbil demonstrates America's commitment to the "truly bilateral relationship" with the Kurdistan Region.
Addressing broader regional issues, Romanowski clarified that the US was not involved in Israel's strikes on Iran and does not control Iraqi airspace.
She praised the progress of Iraqi and Kurdish security forces in combating ISIS over the past decade, noting that this was the original mission that brought US forces to the region.
"We want all Iraqi forces to operate under the general command of the armed forces," the ambassador stated, emphasizing US support for Iraq's stability and independence, which she described as crucial for regional security.
The two-day MERI Forum 2024, which began today in Erbil, brings together political leaders and experts to discuss governance and prosperity in the region.
