Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received a United States congressional delegation, led by Congressman John Garamendi.

The delegation commended the role of the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism, and praised the people and Kurdistan Regional Government for protecting, accommodating, and offering assistance to a large number of IDPs and refugees.

They opined that the coordination among all parties was a reason for victory over terrorism. Further, they expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in the elations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked the United States for its continued support to the Kurdistan Region, particularly in humanitarian and military fields. He highlighted improvement in relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, stressing the Kurdistan Regional Government’s support to Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi and resolving outstanding issues through negotiations and mutual understanding.

Both Prime Minister Barzani and the delegation stressed the importance of the role of US forces and the international coalition, as well as the need for these forces to remain in Iraq to strengthen stability and confront threats of the reemergence of terrorism.

The need for coordination between Iraq and the United States, the post-ISIS era, return of displaced persons and refugees, reconstruction of devastated areas and the support of the international community were also discussed.

The two sides stressed the importance of women’s active participation in administration. Prime Minister Barzani spoke of KRG programmes enabling women's active participation in all parts of governance.