Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received United States Central Command, CENTCOM, Commander General Joseph Votel.

In the meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, the current military, security and post-ISIS  situations were discussed.

The recent meetings between Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi in Baghdad and Davos were highlighted. Both sides expressed hope that solutions to outstanding issues, based on the Iraqi Constitution, will be reached soon. 

Prime Minister Barzani expressed appreciation for United States continued support and military assistance to the Peshmerga forces in the war against ISIS, including the provision of equipment, weaponry, and training. He expressed hope that such assistance would continue. 

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated the readiness of the KRG to resolve all issues with the Iraqi federal government on the basis of the Constitution.

General Votel expressed satisfaction with the level of the cooperation and coordination between Peshmerga forces and US soldiers and trainers. He affirmed continuation of military assistance to Peshmerga forces and expressed support for dialogue between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.

The latest developments in the wider region and the fight against terrorism in Iraq and Syria were also discussed. There was mutual agreement that terrorism cannot be defeated by military action alone; there should be efforts to eradicate the ideology as well.