US Diplomats Praise President Barzani’s “Legendary” Leadership in Farewell and Welcome Meeting

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — President Masoud Barzani on Sunday welcomed both the new US Consul General in Erbil, Gwendolyn Green, and her predecessor, Steven Bitner, at his headquarters in Pirmam, Erbil.

During the meeting, President Barzani wished both diplomats success in their new assignments. He also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the outgoing US Consul General for his notable role in advancing relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, as well as for his contributions to joint reforms within the Ministry of Peshmerga.

Barzani highlighted Washington’s steadfast support for the Kurdistan Region, recalling its positions since the 1991 uprising, the toppling of Iraq’s former regime, and the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). He praised the United States for its continued backing of the Kurdish people during pivotal moments.

Consul General Bitner expressed his deep appreciation for his time working in the Kurdistan Region, commending President Barzani and government institutions for their cooperation. He emphasized the strong ties between the US and the Kurdistan Region, while also noting the current political climate, the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, and Barzani’s role in stabilizing the situation across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

For her part, the incoming US Consul General lauded President Barzani’s leadership, describing his role as “legendary,” and underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening the enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region.

The meeting also touched on recent regional developments, including challenges in the peace process in Turkey, the situation in Syria, and other pressing issues in the Middle East.