Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the new commander of international coalition forces in Iraq, Major General Walter Piatt, and US Consul-General in the Kurdistan Region, Ken Gross, with their accompanying delegation.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also attended the meeting.

General Piatt expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation and coordination with the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces. He commended their effectiveness in the fight against ISIS. He expressed US readiness to continue strengthening cooperation with the Peshmerga forces.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the International coalition, particularly the United States of America, for their help and support to the Peshmerga to defend all communities in the Kurdistan Region.

He expressed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s readiness to cooperate and coordinate with coalition forces, especially in places where the threat of terrorism remains. In this regard, he stressed the need for an effective mechanism between the KRG and Iraqi federal government, with the support of the coalition forces.

He also stressed that several political, economic, and social steps need to be taken to support and reassure the displaced persons to return to their places of origin.

Security and political developments in the greater region were also discussed.