U.S. Hails Kurdistan Energy Deals: 'These Partnerships Will Strengthen Gas Production and Benefit Both Our Peoples'
The U.S. State Department voiced support as it closely followed the signing of major energy agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government and American companies during PM Masrour Barzani’s visit to Washington.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a post on X, the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs on Wednesday expressed satisfaction over the strengthening commercial relationship between the United States and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The bureau highlighted the signing of agreements with U.S. companies, stating, "These types of partnerships will strengthen gas production in Iraq and benefit both of our peoples."
The U.S. State Department voiced support as it closely followed the signing of major energy agreements between the Kurdistan Regional Government and American companies during Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s current visit to Washington.
We are pleased to see the commercial relationship between the United States and Iraqi Kurdistan Region expand with the signing of agreements with U.S. companies. These types of partnerships will strengthen gas production in Iraq and benefit both of our peoples.
— U.S. State Dept - Near Eastern Affairs (@StateDept_NEA) May 20, 2025
This statement coincides with Prime Minister Barzani's official visit to Washington, D.C., where he has been engaging in high-level discussions with U.S. officials, members of Congress, policy think tanks, and American investors. The visit aims to bolster energy cooperation and address constitutional rights and bilateral ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
During his visit, Prime Minister Barzani oversaw the signing of two significant energy agreements with U.S. companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros. These deals, valued at a combined $110 billion over their lifetimes, focus on developing the Miran and Topkhana-Kurdamir gas fields in Sulaymaniya province. HKN Energy will develop the Miran Gas Field, estimated to hold 8 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas, while WesternZagros will work on the Topkhana-Kurdamir blocks, containing 5 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas.
The Prime Minister's agenda in Washington also includes meetings with U.S. Senators and Congressmen to discuss counterterrorism efforts and energy cooperation. These discussions underscore the strategic importance of the Kurdistan Region in regional stability and energy security.
Prime Minister Barzani's visit and the energy agreements signal a strategic shift and growing confidence in the Kurdistan Region's role as a reliable partner in the Middle East. The U.S. State Department's supportive statement further indicates a continued commitment to fostering economic partnerships with the Kurdistan Region.
As the Kurdistan Regional Government continues to strengthen its international ties, these developments are expected to have a lasting impact on the region's economic growth and its relationship with the United States.
