Sema
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that US support for the Kurdistan Region will remain a cornerstone of Washington’s broader relationship with Baghdad, during a phone call with President Nechirvan Barzani, the State Department said.
The two officials discussed ongoing cooperation to promote peace and stability in Iraq, Syria, and the wider region. According to a statement from the State Department, Rubio praised the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for its efforts to harness local resources to strengthen Iraq’s energy independence and for its growing economic partnerships with US companies.
“The Secretary emphasized that U.S. support for the IKR would remain a key aspect of the U.S. relationship with Iraq,” said State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The call follows recent agreements signed between the KRG and two major US companies — HKN Energy and WesternZagros — aimed at boosting energy exploration and infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region. The deals were warmly welcomed by Washington, as they align with US priorities of promoting energy security and economic development in Iraq through trusted partnerships.
In a statement on X, the Kurdistan president said he appreciated the conversation with Rubio and reaffirmed the “shared commitment to peace, stability, and the strong partnership between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the United States.”
He also thanked the United States for its longstanding support, describing it as vital for the Region’s progress.
According to the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the leaders also discussed the importance of continued dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad. Rubio expressed appreciation for the Kurdish president’s role in addressing federal-regional tensions through constructive engagement.
The Kurdistan Region and the United States have maintained close ties for decades, with the US providing military, humanitarian, and diplomatic support throughout periods of conflict and reconstruction.