Rubio to PM Barzani: Kurdistan Key to U.S. Strategy
The two parties also addressed the strategic imperative of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, a key conduit for regional energy flow that has been a point of economic contention.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a high-profile diplomatic meeting on Friday, in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that supporting a strong and stable Kurdistan Region within a federal Iraq is a "fundamental and strategic component" of U.S. regional policy under the leadership of President Donald Trump. The statement came during an official meeting with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani as part of his ongoing visit to the United States.
Opening the session, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his deep appreciation for the enduring partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, commending Secretary Rubio’s remarks underscoring U.S. support.
According to the statement by the Kurdistan Regional Government, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to backing the Kurdistan Region, declaring that the stability and strength of the Region are central to Washington’s strategy in the Middle East.
He reiterated that this alignment with the KRG falls squarely within the broader U.S. vision for a unified yet federal Iraq. Furthermore, Rubio pledged sustained American support across various sectors of governance and development.
The Secretary also commended the Kurdistan Region for its humanitarian efforts, particularly its role in hosting large numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). He praised the KRG’s dedication to protecting the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, which he described as a model for inclusivity in the region.
The two parties also addressed the strategic imperative of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, a key conduit for regional energy flow that has been a point of economic contention.
The discussions further focused on the KRG’s ambitious reform agenda aimed at economic diversification, as well as the need to safeguard the Region’s constitutional rights and ensure fair financial entitlements from the federal government in Baghdad.
The meeting marked a reaffirmation of U.S.-Kurdistan ties at a time of evolving regional dynamics, positioning the Kurdistan Region as a reliable and pivotal partner in American Middle East policy.
