President Nechirvan Barzani welcomes new US consul, reaffirms partnership with Washington
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Sunday welcomed Gwendolyn Green as the new US Consul General in Erbil, reaffirming the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region and discussing regional challenges.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, President Barzani congratulated Green on her new role and expressed gratitude to the US “for its help and support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in various fields." He underlined Erbil’s keenness to "develop relations and expand joint cooperation” with Washington.
President Barzani also extended his appreciation to outgoing consul general Steve Bitner for his service, thanking him for his contributions to advancing ties between the US and the Kurdistan Region during his tenure.
In her remarks, Consul General Green reiterated her country’s commitment to its relationship with the Kurdistan Region, stressing that the US, “as an ally, values its relations with the Kurdistan Region and wishes to continue and expand joint cooperation."
Meanwhile, outgoing consul general Bitner expressed his gratitude to President Barzani and Kurdistan Region officials for their support, noting their help in "making his mission a success."
During the meeting, discussions also covered the current relationship between Erbil and Baghdad, the broader political and security situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as recent developments in Syria and the wider Middle East.
The US maintains a longstanding and strategic partnership with the Kurdistan Region - a relationship rooted in the humanitarian efforts following the 1991 Gulf War, when a US-led coalition established a no-fly zone to protect the Kurdish population.
Over the years, that support evolved into a vital security alliance, particularly during the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), with the US providing critical military aid, training, and air support to Kurdish Peshmerga forces - widely regarded as one of the most effective ground partners in the campaign.
Beyond the military alliance, the US also maintains a strong diplomatic presence in Erbil. After opening a diplomatic office in 2007, Washington elevated it to a consulate general in 2011. Construction is currently underway on a new US consulate complex in Erbil, set to become the largest US consulate facility globally.
[Source: Rûdaw English]
