PM Barzani, US Consul General Affirm Need for Oil Exports, KRG Rights
KRG PM Masrour Barzani and outgoing US Consul General Steve Bitner met, agreeing on the need to resume oil exports, protect the Kurdistan Region's federal entity, and secure its constitutional and financial rights.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and outgoing U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner on Saturday affirmed their mutual agreement on the urgent need to resume the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports, protect its constitutionally recognized federal status, and secure the financial rights of its people, in a high-level meeting that underscored key strategic priorities for both Erbil and Washington.
The substantive discussions took place as Prime Minister Barzani officially received Consul General Bittner in Erbil to mark the conclusion of the American diplomat's mission in the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting began with the Prime Minister extending his gratitude for America's partnership. He thanked the United States for its continued support for the Kurdistan Region and offered specific appreciation for Consul General Bitner's personal efforts during his tenure. The Prime Minister credited the Consul General for his work in further developing and advancing the bilateral relationship across all sectors.
In turn, the U.S. Consul General reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his deep appreciation for the consistent support and cooperation he received from the relevant authorities within the Kurdistan Regional Government. In his farewell remarks, Mr. Bitner stressed the strategic importance of strengthening the friendly and robust relations between his country and the Kurdistan Region.
Beyond the diplomatic farewells, the latter part of the meeting focused on critical and unresolved political and economic issues facing the region. The two sides found common ground and established a clear, unified position on several pressing matters.
A statement on the meeting confirmed that both the Prime Minister and the Consul General were in agreement on three specific and vital points.
Firstly, they concurred on the absolute necessity of resuming the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports, a crucial revenue stream that has been halted for over a year. Secondly, they emphasized the shared goal of protecting and respecting the federal entity of the Kurdistan Region as enshrined in the Iraqi constitution. Finally, they agreed on the importance of securing the constitutional rights and financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan, a reference to the ongoing disputes with Baghdad over budget allocations and salary payments.
The meeting concluded on this note of mutual understanding, reinforcing the alignment between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the United States on foundational issues of economic stability, constitutional integrity, and the rights of the Kurdish people.
Throughout his tenure, Consul General Bitner became known for his distinctive approach to public diplomacy, frequently releasing video messages in which he addressed the people of the Kurdistan Region in the Kurdish language.
