U.S. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed strong support for the Kurdistan Region during a recent phone call with President Nechirvan Barzani. The conversation underscored Washington’s ongoing commitment to Erbil and the broader stability of Iraq and the Middle East.
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the call focused on promoting long-term cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. Both leaders emphasized shared interests in stability, prosperity, and peace across Iraq, Syria, and the region.
Secretary Rubio praised the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for its efforts in partnering with U.S. businesses. He also commended the Region’s initiatives to strengthen Iraq’s energy independence using local resources. These actions, he noted, align with American strategic goals in the Middle East.
This call came shortly after Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani concluded a high-level diplomatic visit to Washington. During the trip, Barzani and his delegation met with U.S. lawmakers, members of the Trump administration, and Secretary Rubio. All parties expressed a desire to deepen economic and strategic ties.
Following the call, Rubio described the exchange as productive. He stated that U.S.-Kurdistan collaboration promotes regional stability and offers economic benefits to both nations.
On May 28, during a cabinet meeting in Erbil, Prime Minister Barzani updated ministers on his Washington trip. He highlighted discussions on safeguarding financial rights, encouraging U.S. investment, and maintaining the Region’s constitutional autonomy within Iraq’s federal framework.
The KRG Council of Ministers welcomed Rubio’s statements and affirmed the importance of implementing Kurdistan’s constitutional powers in full. They reiterated that a strong, autonomous Kurdistan Region is essential for Iraq’s unity and federal integrity.
The cabinet also renewed its call for constructive dialogue with Baghdad. Ministers stressed the urgency of resuming oil exports through Iraq’s SOMO, pointing out the massive revenue losses since March 2023 due to suspended shipments.
Secretary Rubio’s outreach and the recent diplomatic engagements signal a strengthened phase in U.S.-Kurdistan relations. This renewed partnership is rooted in constitutional rights, economic cooperation, and regional peace.
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