US and Kurd relations strengthening
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PRESS RELEASES |
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Senior Kurdistan Region delegation in US meet officials, business and Diaspora
Washington,US (KRG.org) – Dr Fuad Hussein, Chief of Staff to President Barzani ofthe Kurdistan Region and Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of theDepartment of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government(KRG), concluded their week long visit to Washington DC and Detroit,Michigan.
The delegation, accompanied by the KRG’s Representativeto the US Qubad Talabany, met US Administration officials,Congressional Members, members of the American business communities,think tanks and the media to discuss the latest developments in Iraqand the Kurdistan Region.
Topics discussed during the meetings includedimplementation of Article 140 - the roadmap to resolving the status ofthe disputed territories - the need for a general census to be held inIraq, the upcoming national elections, and the need for the swiftformation of a post-election government. The delegation reaffirmed theKRG’s commitment to advance the democratic process in Iraq along withits long-held position to resolve issues through political dialogue.The delegation also expressed appreciation to the US for itswillingness to work with all Iraqi parties to resolve outstandingpolitical problems facing the country.
Dr Hussein said, “We are pleased the US has reaffirmedits commitment towards long-term relations with Iraq and the KurdistanRegion. We are committed to maintaining a strong relationship with theUnited States, which we believe must remain engaged in Iraq to help usemerge from the current situation to become a democratic state.” Headded, “A lot of progress has been made, but there are still a numberconflicts - including the disputed territories and Article 140, oilrevenue sharing and the universal adherence to the Iraq federalconstitution - that need to be addressed if we are to ensure long termstability in Iraq.”
In talks with business leaders, the delegation statedthe Kurdistan Region’s desire to forge greater partnerships with the USbusiness community, and outlined the many possibilities to be part ofthe Region’s economic growth. Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir said, “Greateconomic opportunities exist in the Kurdistan Region. We want the USbusiness community to partner with us, as so many other internationalfirms from Europe and the Middle East have done, as we develop criticalsectors such as agriculture, industry and tourism.”
During the visit, the delegation travelled to Detroit,Michigan, where they met with members of the Chaldean and broader Iraqicommunity. The Detroit area hosts the largest population ofChaldean-Assyrian-Syriacs outside of Iraq.
“Meeting Iraq’s diverse Diaspora is essential tostrengthening bonds and partnerships that could translate into bettercooperation and understanding on the ground,” said Qubad Talabany. “TheKurdistan Region has become a safe-haven for targeted groups, howeverwe know that more needs to be done to strengthen national institutionsthat could better protect all ethnic and religious groups in Iraq.” headded.
(VR)