Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani receives US State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq Affairs

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani today met with the US State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq Affairs, David Copley, who is holding bilateral meetings in Erbil on regional affairs.

In the meeting, attended by US Consul General in Erbil, Rob Waller, the officials discussed the current situation in Iraq and the greater region, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong ties between the US and the Kurdistan Region, as well as with the Global Coalition against ISIS. Deputy Prime Minister Talabani recognised the critical role US military aid to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq has played, and briefed Deputy Assistant Secretary Copley on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s ongoing efforts to protect the security and stability of the country.

Addressing the state of negotiations with Baghdad, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of a lasting, political solution to ongoing constitutional disputes with the federal government.

During the exchange, Deputy Assistant Secretary Copley expressed the US’ readiness to assist in further developing ties with the Kurdistan Region, with trade and investment relations being of particular interest to both sides.