Sema
The session will focus exclusively on a detailed presentation by the Prime Minister and accompanying delegation members, covering the objectives and achievements of their official engagements in the U.S. capital.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is set to brief the Kurdistan Region Council of Ministers on Wednesday, on the outcomes of his high-profile official visit to Washington, D.C. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Barzani and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, will be held at 10:00 AM in Saad Abdullah Hall in Erbil and is scheduled to conclude by 12:00 PM.
According to the agenda obtained by Kurdistan24, the session will focus exclusively on a detailed presentation by the Prime Minister and accompanying delegation members, covering the objectives and achievements of their official engagements in the U.S. capital.
Strategic Visit to Washington Prime Minister Barzani arrived in Washington on May 17, 2025, heading a high-ranking Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation at the invitation of the U.S. Government. The visit, which concluded on May 23, was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, securing economic and energy partnerships, and addressing key regional developments.
Major Energy Agreements
On May 19, under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s supervision, two landmark energy deals were signed with American companies HKN Energy and Western Zagros. The agreements aim to provide electricity to millions, generate jobs, and fortify the Region’s economy.
PM Barzani hailed the deals as the beginning of “a new phase in U.S.-Kurdistan relations.”
High-Level U.S. Engagements
Barzani held discussions with numerous U.S. lawmakers, including key members of Congress and the Senate, such as:
Rep. Joe Wilson – (Read full report here)
Sen. James Lankford – (Read full report here)
Sen. Tom Cotton – (Read full report here)
Sen. Jack Reed – (Read full report here)
Rep. Brian Mast (Chair, House Foreign Affairs Committee) – (Read full report here)
Rep. Mike Rogers (Chair, House Armed Services Committee) -(Read full report here)
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for their continued support to the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces.
Key Government Meetings
U.S. Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright reaffirmed support for the energy agreements and praised KRG’s reform agenda. (Read full report here.)
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum commended the Region as a key U.S. partner. (Read full report here.)
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem focused on joint efforts in security and combating organized crime. (Read full report here.)
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Bradley Smith lauded the “My Account” initiative and KRG’s financial reforms. (Read full report here.)
Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, Massad Boulos, hosted a reception celebrating the successful visit. (Read full report here.)
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a comprehensive meeting with Barzani, emphasizing expanded trade, investment, and Kurdistan’s role in regional stability. (Read full report here.)
Energy Conference Participation Barzani also joined a panel at a Washington energy conference alongside Secretary Wright, discussing energy prospects in the Region, the Rwanga project, and sustainable reform.
Previous Council Focus: Runaki Project and Fiscal Rights
In its May 14 session, the Council of Ministers approved the “Runaki” project—a major reform initiative to provide 24-hour electricity, reduce waste, and promote environmental sustainability. The project was unanimously passed and will be led by the Ministry of Electricity under direct cabinet oversight.
The Council also discussed a joint financial audit with federal authorities, stressing the Region’s full compliance with constitutional obligations and demanding prompt delivery of its budgetary entitlements.
Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that the Kurdistan Region has provided all requested data and reiterated that there are no remaining technical obstacles preventing the allocation of funds. The Council urged the federal government to uphold its constitutional duties.
Today’s cabinet session is expected to solidify the government’s next steps based on insights gained during the Washington visit and further energize the Region’s reform and development agenda.