We are Proud Allies and Friends of the United States, Says PM Barzani
When asked about Baghdad’s pushback on the energy agreements, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the legality of the contracts, noting that they had withstood multiple legal challenges in Iraqi courts.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stated on Thursday at an energy conference in Washington, D.C., organized by the Al-Monitor Global Institute, that they are proud allies and friends of the United States.
Speaking with journalist Amberin Zaman in Washington, D.C., Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Runaki project — an ambitious initiative aimed at delivering 24-hour electricity across the Kurdistan Region, ending reliance on costly, polluting generators.
“Electricity is a basic right,” Barzani said. “This project is about providing reliable, round-the-clock power for everyone. It's going well, and by next year, we aim to supply the entire Kurdistan Region.”
Barzani emphasized that the project will be both fair and affordable, noting that 80% of residents will pay less under the new system. Only high-consumption users will see increased costs.
Two major energy deals with longstanding U.S. companies operating in Kurdistan will help boost gas production and meet growing electricity needs, not just in the Region, but across Iraq and potentially neighboring countries. “This is a win-win for Iraq as a whole,” Barzani said.
When asked about Baghdad’s pushback on the energy agreements, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the legality of the contracts, noting that they had withstood multiple legal challenges in Iraqi courts.
“These deals are not only legal and constitutional — they benefit all Iraqis,” he said. “Any objections are political, not legal.”
Barzani also expressed cautious optimism about working with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, praising his willingness to engage and treat all regions fairly under the constitution. “Any prime minister who commits to serving the whole country deserves our support,” he added.
On regional security and diplomacy, Barzani commented on developments in Syria, where a new transitional government is in place amid ongoing threats from ISIS. He urged the international community to allow the new leadership to demonstrate its commitment to stability.
“Syria is entering a new chapter. Everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves,” he said. “If they adopt a system that respects the rights of Kurds, Alawites, Druze, Arabs, and others, we will support it.”
He also touched on federalism in Iraq, stating that while the system is enshrined in the 2005 constitution, it has yet to be fully implemented. “Federalism isn’t just ink on paper. It needs to be respected,” he stressed.
Looking to Syria, Barzani recalled President Masoud Barzani’s efforts to unify Kurdish political groups and promote dialogue with Damascus. “A united Kurdish position strengthens the chance of securing rights,” he said, expressing hope that regional powers, including Turkey, will support a political model in Syria that guarantees local autonomy.
Throughout the conversation, Barzani projected a message of reform, inclusion, and pragmatism — a shift from traditional security-focused narratives that have long defined Kurdish engagement in Washington.
