Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and US Department of Defense sign Memorandum of Understanding

Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (GOV.KRD) - The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and the United States Department of Defense (DoD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) renewing US support for the Peshmerga forces in their fight against terrorism.

In a special ceremony in Erbil, the MoU was signed by the Peshmerga Minister, Shoresh Ismail, and Celeste A. Wallander the United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. The signing was overseen by the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, and attended by both Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

“The signing of this Memorandum proves that the Kurdistan Region and the United States still stand together to protect public values and the principles of democracy, freedom, and peaceful coexistence of Kurdistan's religion and communities, which live side by side without discrimination or separatism. Let us protect it!” Minister Shoresh Ismail said during a speech at the ceremony.

Through this MoU, the United States renewed its commitment to supporting the Peshmerga forces in their fight against the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), and assisting the Kurdistan Regional Government in further implementing the ongoing reform program within the Ministry.

“The continuation of the reform program within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs is essential and we will continue our coordination with our partners to further implement the reform program.” Minister Shoresh Ismail added.