PM Barzani, top US Official discuss resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports

The conversation focused on the urgent need to resolve outstanding issues and eliminate barriers to oil exports. Both parties highlighted the negative impact of the suspension on Iraq's national budget and economic stability.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt. (Photo: Designed by Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt. (Photo: Designed by Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt held a phone call on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced.

The conversation focused on the urgent need to resolve outstanding issues and eliminate barriers to oil exports. Both parties highlighted the negative impact of the suspension on Iraq's national budget and economic stability.

Prime Minister Barzani and Assistant Secretary Pyatt underscored the Kurdistan Region's potential to bolster Iraq's sovereignty and energy independence. They emphasized the importance of fair and sustainable solutions to promote economic growth and ensure long-term regional stability.

Following the call, Prime Minister Barzani posted on social media platform X, stating, “The delay has hurt Iraq’s economy as a whole — over $25 billion in lost revenue to date.”

The Kurdistan Region's oil exports have been suspended since March 2023, with ongoing negotiations between Erbil and Baghdad seeking to address disputes over revenue-sharing and export mechanisms.