Delegation from Kurdistan Region of Iraq Concludes Visit to Washington, DC and Detroit, MI
WASHINGTON – [December 23, 2009] – Dr. Fuad Hussein, Chief of Staff to President Barzani of the Kurdistan Region and Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), concluded their week long visit to Washington, DC and Detroit, Michigan.
The high-ranking delegation, accompanied by the KRG’s Representative to the U.S. Qubad Talabany, met with Administration officials, Congressional Members, members of the American business communities, think tanks and the media to discuss the latest developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Topics discussed during the meetings included implementation of Article 140 — the roadmap to resolving the issue of disputed territories — the need for a general census to be held in Iraq, the upcoming national elections, and the need for the swift formation of a post-election government. The delegation reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to advance the democratic process in Iraq along with its long-held position to resolve issues through political dialogue. The delegation also expressed appreciation to the U.S. for its willingness to work with all Iraqi parties to resolve outstanding political issues facing the country.
“We are pleased the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment towards long-term relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We are committed to maintaining a strong relationship with the United States, which we believe must remain engaged in Iraq to help us emerge from the current situation to become a democratic state,” said Dr. Fuad Hussein. “A lot of progress has been made, but there are still a number conflicts—including the disputed territories and Article 140, oil revenue sharing and the universal adherence to the Iraq federal constitution—that need to be addressed if we are to ensure long term stability in Iraq.”
In talks with business leaders, the delegation stated the Kurdistan Region’s desire to forge greater partnerships with the U.S. business community, and outlined the many possibilities to be part of the Region’s economic growth. “Great economic opportunities exist in the Kurdistan Region. We want the U.S. business community to partner with us, as so many other international firms from Europe and the Middle East have done, as we develop critical sectors such as agriculture, industry and tourism,” stated Falah Bakir.
During the visit, the delegation travelled to Detroit, Michigan, where they met with members of the Chaldean and broader Iraqi community. The Detroit area hosts the largest population of Chaldean-Assyrian-Syriacs outside of Iraq.
“Meeting Iraq’s diverse Diaspora is essential to strengthening bonds and partnerships that could translate into better cooperation and understanding on the ground,” stated Qubad Talabany. “The Kurdistan Region has become a safe-haven for targeted groups, however we know that more needs to be done to strengthen national institutions that could better protect all ethnic and religious groups in Iraq.” he added.
Tagged in: DC, Kurdistan, US Relations
