Kurdistan Region President, US Senators Discuss Erbil-Baghdad Relations and Anti-Terror Cooperation
The visiting senators, for their part, praised the Kurdistan Region’s progress and reaffirmed Washington’s enduring commitment as a strategic ally to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday welcomed Independent U.S. Senator Angus King of Maine and U.S. Senator James Paul Lankford (R-Oklahoma), along with an accompanying delegation, during an official visit to Erbil to discuss regional developments and strengthen U.S.-Kurdistan ties, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.
In their meeting, both sides exchanged views on U.S. relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with special emphasis on continued bilateral cooperation—particularly in combating terrorism. The discussions also covered the status of Erbil-Baghdad relations, ongoing political and economic challenges in Iraq and Kurdistan, as well as developments in neighboring Syria and the broader region.
President Barzani expressed his gratitude for the United States' longstanding support to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the vital role of U.S. Congress, especially in backing the ongoing reform and modernization efforts within the Ministry of Peshmerga. He underlined the importance of continued collaboration in various sectors and pointed to promising opportunities for increased American investment and engagement in the region.
The visiting senators, for their part, praised the Kurdistan Region’s progress and reaffirmed Washington’s enduring commitment as a strategic ally to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. They emphasized the value the United States places on its relationship with Erbil and Baghdad, pledging continued support for regional peace and stability.
The visit by Senators King and Lankford comes at a critical moment, reflecting Washington’s interest in reinforcing ties with Erbil while also encouraging cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad.
This high-level engagement follows Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he oversaw the signing of two major energy agreements with U.S. companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros. Valued at a combined $110 billion over their lifespans, these deals aim to develop the Miran and Topkhana-Kurdamir gas fields in the Kurdistan Region. The agreements are expected to enhance energy production, create jobs, and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
The senators’ visit, along with the Prime Minister’s successful trip to Washington, underscores the deepening U.S.-KRG relationship, which spans counterterrorism, economic development, democratic governance, and energy cooperation. As both sides reaffirm their strategic partnership, Erbil continues to position itself as a stable and reliable ally of the United States in a volatile region.
