Kurdistan Cabinet Backs U.S. Support for Region’s Constitutional Autonomy After Barzani’s Washington Visit
Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the strategic importance of the visit and described the U.S. as a long-standing partner and a key stakeholder in upholding the Region’s constitutional rights.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers on Wednesday praised recent remarks from U.S. officials reaffirming support for the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional status and its rights within a federal Iraq, following Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s high-level visit to Washington last week.
Chaired by Prime Minister Barzani, the cabinet meeting centered on the outcomes of his recent official trip to the United States, where he led a senior KRG delegation to the U.S. capital. At the start of the session, Barzani emphasized the strategic importance of the visit and described the U.S. as a long-standing partner and a key stakeholder in upholding the Region’s constitutional rights.
The Prime Minister highlighted the Trump Administration’s strong backing of the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional autonomy and authorities. He reiterated that a resilient and constitutionally recognized Kurdistan Region is essential to preserving Iraq’s federal structure.
Barzani briefed the cabinet on his meetings with members of the U.S. Congress and senior officials from the new U.S. administration, noting that both sides agreed on the need to deepen bilateral cooperation and safeguard mutual interests. He also detailed his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated America’s unwavering support for a “strong and stable” Kurdistan Region within a unified federal Iraq.
Secretary Rubio also expressed the U.S. commitment to supporting the KRG across various sectors and to ensuring the Region’s financial entitlements and constitutional powers are upheld. Barzani extended his appreciation for Secretary Rubio’s recognition of the Kurdistan Region’s role in sheltering refugees and displaced persons, and in promoting religious and ethnic pluralism.
Each member of the KRG delegation shared updates with the cabinet, offering insights from their sectoral discussions in Washington.
Following deliberations, the Council of Ministers welcomed the U.S. stance and emphasized its appreciation for Washington’s support for the Region’s constitutional framework. The cabinet stressed the necessity of ensuring the full implementation of the Kurdistan Region’s constitutional authorities.
The ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue with Baghdad to resolve outstanding issues, especially those related to oil exports. They highlighted the importance of resuming oil exports through the Iraqi state oil marketing company (SOMO), which they argued would significantly enhance federal revenues and allow the fair redistribution of income across Iraq.
The cabinet expressed regret over the suspension of oil exports since March 2023, noting that the delay has cost Iraq’s public treasury billions of dollars.
The KRG has long advocated for the preservation of its constitutional rights within the federal structure of Iraq, particularly regarding control over natural resources, revenue sharing, and self-governance. Relations between Erbil and Baghdad have been strained in recent years. However, both sides have taken steps toward dialogue and cooperation, with support from international partners including the United States.
Prime Minister Barzani’s recent U.S. visit and the ensuing public statements from American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, mark a reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to a stable and constitutionally grounded Kurdistan Region.
The visit also aimed to bolster economic cooperation, attract new investments, and reinvigorate energy sector partnerships between American firms and the Region.
Kurdistan Cabinet Backs U.S. Support for Region’s Constitutional Autonomy After Barzani’s Washington Visit!
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) May 28, 2025
Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the strategic importance of the visit and described the U.S. as a long-standing partner and a key stakeholder in upholding the Region’s… pic.twitter.com/cbd7K2EZ56
