APIKUR Spokesperson Lauds Prime Minister Barzani’s Visit as ‘Powerful Moment’ for Kurdistan’s Global Energy Role

By Ahora Qadi

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Colonel Myles B. Caggins III, the official spokesperson for the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR), hailed Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s recent visit to Washington as a pivotal event for the Kurdistan Region’s global energy presence and a catalyst for expanded U.S. investment in Iraq’s energy sector.

In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan 24 on the sidelines of a high-level energy conference in the U.S. capital, Col. Caggins underscored the symbolic and strategic significance of the Prime Minister’s engagements with top U.S. officials.

“Today was a big day in Washington DC,” Caggins said. “Prime Minister Barzani had another successful event this morning. Al-Monitor, the news network, hosted an event to discuss the importance of Kurdistan and energy for the world.”

A Display of Political and Economic Support

The event was attended by U.S. Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright, which, according to Caggins, represents “another sign of the influence and importance of Kurdistan Region in Washington DC.” He emphasized that such visibility strengthens Kurdistan’s reputation as a stable and vital player in global energy markets.

Asked whether PM Barzani’s visit could pave the way for more American energy firms to invest in the Kurdistan Region, Caggins affirmed the potential. “We saw the big announcement this week by two of the APIKUR member companies that they are making significant investments to develop the natural gas in Kurdistan Region.”

He noted that the natural gas produced in the Kurdistan Region will “help provide electricity to all people of Iraq,” stressing that “electricity in Iraq should come from Iraq’s resources, and that includes the natural gas fields in Kurdistan Region.”

Endorsements from Washington

Caggins also referenced statements from key U.S. officials during the Prime Minister’s visit, emphasizing bipartisan support for continued partnership with the Kurdistan Region.

“There were very powerful statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio during his speech at Congress. He talked about the importance of Kurdistan Region as what he called the lynchpin, the centerpiece, the most important part of America's Middle East policy.”

He continued, “Secretary Wright said that the Trump administration is looking for opportunities to develop commerce, develop business. Instead of looking for conflict and war, they are looking for opportunities to unleash the power of America’s energy production and the power of energy production for our friends and allies, including Kurdistan Region.”

Call for Resuming Oil Exports

When asked about the future of Kurdish oil exports and the reopening of the Iraq–Turkey Pipeline, Caggins stressed the necessity of renewed cooperation among all stakeholders.

“The United States has been engaged in talks to get the Iraq Turkey pipeline reopened for more than two years. During the Biden administration, there were high-level talks from the White House and the State Department. That energy has continued now with the State Department being important for bringing all parties together in Baghdad.”

He noted that Prime Minister Barzani and Minister of Natural Resources Kamal Mohammed were currently in Washington, but are expected to return soon to continue negotiations. “We are hoping that soon there will be another meeting that includes the Government of Iraq, the KRG, and representatives of international oil companies. We need the pipeline reopened.”

Looking Ahead

Col. Caggins concluded the interview by expressing optimism about future U.S.-Kurdistan energy collaboration. He emphasized that the strong statements of support by U.S. officials, alongside Prime Minister Barzani’s proactive diplomacy, reflect a new chapter of strategic alignment based on mutual benefit.