US Vice-President Biden and President Barzani discuss government formation and recent developments
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Iraq (KRG.org) – United States Vice-President Joseph Biden arrived in Erbil on Wednesday evening to meet Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani after participating in ceremonies in Baghdad to mark the end of the US combat mission in Iraq.
The Vice-President conveyed President Barack Obama’s warm regards to President Barzani and reiterated his support for the Iraqi government formation process. He appreciated the leadership role President Barzani has played in Iraq.
Mr Biden emphasised the continued commitment of the US government to a long-term relationship with Iraq, and assured the President that the United States would pay close attention to the Kurdistan Region with a view to building a strong and lasting relationship.
Mr Biden complimented the President on the continuing development and progress of the Kurdistan Region. President Barzani, who was joined by Prime Minister Barham Salih at the meeting, said, “It is my privilege to express in person the gratitude and appreciation of the people and the government of the Kurdistan Region for the role the United States has played in liberating Iraq. I believe it is an opportune time to expand on our relationship. The decision to open a US consulate in Erbil was a symbolic action that we support fully.”
He added, “Your visit is most welcome as we work to form a government in Baghdad. The Kurdistan Alliance is open to substantive talks with all groups, and we are willing to join a coalition with blocs that share our vision and are committed to the Constitution and to the well-being of the citizens of Iraq. In the end, the people of Iraq must work together to find a common ground for a better future.”
Vice-President Biden and President Barzani agreed on the urgent need to achieve progress on forming an Iraqi government based on partnership, adherence to Constitutional principles, and which ensures that no group is marginalised.
They exchanged views on the latest political and security developments in Iraq, obstacles and challenges that lie ahead, and potential mechanisms to move the process forward.
Both leaders discussed post-2011 Iraq, when US soldiers are scheduled to withdraw fully, including the impact this might have on security and future relations.
The Vice-President was accompanied by recently appointed Ambassador to Iraq Mr James Jeffrey, Commanding General of US Forces in Iraq Lieutenant General Lloyd Austin, the Vice-President’s National Security Advisor Mr Antony Blinken and Special Advisor for the Middle East Mrs Herro Mustafa, Mr Puneet Talwar from the National Security Council, and Mr Alex Laskaris, Head of the US Regional Reconstruction Team in Erbil.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister for the Interior Karim Sinjari and the Head of Foreign Relations Minister Falah Mustafa Bakir also attended the meeting.
Tagged in: Barzani, Biden, Erbil, Kurdistan, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, U.S. role in Iraq
