Regular attacks on US assets in Iraq, Kurdistan ‘major concern’, says KRG envoy
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The recent attacks on the US-led coalition forces in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are a “major concern” for the government, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) envoy to Washington, DC told Kurdistan 24 on Tuesday.
Treefa Aziz, the KRG Representative to the United States, spoke to the Kurdistan 24 on the sidelines of the Middle East Peace and Security Forum (MEPS23) in Duhok, where hundreds of politicians, academics, and researchers are attending the annual conference to address the most pressing issues in the Middle East.
“Regular attacks on the US assets in Iraq and Kurdistan Region are a major concern of theirs; it is a major concern of ours,” the envoy told Kurdistan 24.
The US forces have come under more than 50 aerial attacks in both Syria and Iraq since mid-October following the eruption of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, sparked by the Islamist Palestinian group's attacks on southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7.
Top Kurdistan Region officials, including Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani, have similarly reiterated the importance of protecting the diplomatic missions and coalition forces on numerous occasions.
Bilateral ties
Regarding the current bilateral ties between the US and the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish officials hailed the strong ties, particularly during conflict times.
“We still have a strong partnership. We still have similar values, similar goals in mind,” Ms Aziz said of the Erbil-Washington, DC ties, adding the two sides tend to get closer in times of conflict.
Beginning on Monday, the forum will continue for two days and address the pressing issues both in the Middle East and Iraq.
The official hailed the important role of the MEPS23 in discussing the issues facing the Middle East and Iraq.
The significant gathering of business leaders, opinion makers, and politicians at the conference shows that "Kurdistan Region has become a relevant and important partner in this region," she said.
Ms. Aziz said her mission in Washington, DC works with the US government and institutions to highlight the importance of the "strategic partnership" between the two nations.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani appointed Ms. Aziz in July 2023 as the new KRG representative to the US, replacing Ms. Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman who is now the senior advisor to the premier on foreign affairs and climate change.
Hundreds of politicians, political pundits, and researchers are attending the second day of MEPS23 in Duhok. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and President Nechirvan Barzani are similarly attending.