AmCham President Hails PM Barzani’s U.S. Visit and Energy Deals as Milestone for U.S.-Kurdistan Relations
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24 English, Dori F. Abouzeid, President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in the Kurdistan Region, praised Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s recent visit to the United States as a pivotal moment in strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.
“The visit was highly meaningful and impactful,” Abouzeid said, pointing to Barzani’s meetings with senior U.S. officials and members of the Trump administration. “Securing an energy deal through high-level diplomatic engagement reflects strong U.S.-Kurdistan cooperation in both economic and security sectors.”
Abouzeid emphasized that the energy agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and U.S. companies are not only economically significant but strategically vital. “These agreements are essential for the Kurdistan Region’s economic growth and energy independence,” he noted. “The involvement of American companies reflects their confidence in the business climate here.”
"If carried forward within a mutually supportive framework between Erbil and Baghdad, these agreements could position the Kurdistan Region as a significant exporter of natural gas," he said. "The economic benefits that would follow could be transformative for the Region.”
The AmCham president also highlighted how these developments reflect a deepening of the broader U.S.–Kurdistan relationship. “The Prime Minister’s leadership and direct engagement with U.S. officials showcased the KRG’s autonomy and readiness to work closely with American partners,” he said, noting the symbolism of the U.S. maintaining its largest consulate in the world in Erbil.
Abouzeid also welcomed the recent endorsements from key American leaders. “Secretary of State Marco Rubio and State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce expressing public support is a significant affirmation,” he said. “Their backing of the energy agreements and the KRG’s economic autonomy sends a clear message to international investors.”
He added that these endorsements, especially under the current U.S. administration, bolster investor confidence and position the Kurdistan Region as a stable and promising destination for American business.
“These agreements and public expressions of support help the KRG pursue broader economic opportunities,” Abouzeid concluded. “The message is clear: the Kurdistan Region is open for business and has strong allies in Washington.”
Full Transcript of the Interview:
Kurdistan24 English: How would you assess the significance of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s recent visit to the United States, including his meetings with senior U.S. officials and members of the Trump administration?
A: Prime Minister Barzani’s visit highlighted the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. Securing an energy deal through high-level diplomatic engagement reflects strong U.S.-Kurdistan cooperation in both economic and security sectors. The visit also demonstrated Kurdistan’s continued progress in economic development and underscored the KRG’s role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East. It was a highly meaningful and impactful visit.
Kurdistan24 English: What is the strategic importance of the recent energy agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and American companies, and what implications might they have for the future of the energy sector in the Kurdistan Region?
A: These agreements are vital for the Kurdistan Region’s economic growth and increasing energy independence. The involvement of American companies reflects their confidence in the business climate here. If carried forward within a mutually supportive framework between Erbil and Baghdad, these agreements could position the Kurdistan Region as a significant exporter of natural gas. The economic benefits that would follow could be transformative for the Region.
Kurdistan24 English: In your view, how do these energy deals—combined with Prime Minister Barzani’s U.S. visit—reflect or impact the broader relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq?
A: They demonstrate strong mutual confidence and a deepening partnership. The Prime Minister’s leadership and direct engagement with U.S. officials showcased the KRG’s autonomy and readiness to work closely with American partners. The presence of the largest U.S. consulate in the world here in Erbil, along with these new agreements, underscores the strength and future potential of U.S.–Kurdistan ties. These developments send a powerful message that the Kurdistan Region is a safe, stable, and viable destination for American investment.
Kurdistan24 English: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce have both expressed strong support for the KRG’s energy deals and reaffirmed their backing of the Kurdistan Region’s autonomy and economic development. How do you interpret these public endorsements from the United States?
A: Their public endorsements are a significant affirmation of support for the Kurdistan Region. Secretary Rubio and Spokeswoman Bruce not only backed the energy agreements, but also emphasized U.S. support for the KRG’s economic autonomy and long-term development. This kind of diplomatic and political backing—especially under the current U.S. administration—strengthens investor confidence and encourages further American business engagement in the Region. It also helps the KRG pursue broader economic opportunities, knowing they have U.S. support on the international stage.
