We are deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, a true friend of the Kurdish people.
The Kurdish people never forget their friends. We will remember him with gratitude for his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to the Kurdish cause.
My sincere condolences to his family and the American people. May he rest in peace.
During my visit to Tirana, I met with Albania’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Infrastructure & Energy to discuss how we can build a stronger partnership between the Kurdistan Region and Albania.
We explored opportunities to work together on the digital transformation of the energy sector, expand cooperation in tourism and culture, and discussed the prospect of a direct flight between Slemani and Albania—bringing our people, businesses and institutions closer together.
I was encouraged by Türkiye’s strong commitment to the peace process between Türkiye and the PKK in my meeting with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister @HakanFidan .
Darbaz Rasool and I reaffirmed the PUK’s full support to work with all sides to ensure its success.
We also discussed the changing regional dynamics, the new Iraqi government and steps to overcome obstacles to KRG government formation.
In discussions with the European Ambassadors to Iraq In Baghdad, we reaffirmed our support for the Iraqi Government’s efforts to combat corruption, strengthen state institutions, and safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and political independence.
We emphasized that, given the rapidly evolving regional landscape, the continued delay in forming the next Kurdistan Regional Government carries serious consequences for the Kurdistan Region. All political parties must rise to the responsibility of this moment and move swiftly to form a new government based on partnership and a shared vision.
Iraq’s new government presents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s sovereignty and shield it from regional and international tensions. In our discussion with Elbrus Kutrashev, Russian Ambassador to Iraq, we agreed that all partners should support this path and help ensure Iraq’s continued progress toward greater political independence.
Agreed with Irfan Siddiq, British Ambassador to Iraq, on the importance of supporting the new Iraqi government and strengthening cooperation between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government to advance economic development and improve citizens’ lives.
We also stressed the need to resume negotiations and remove the remaining obstacles to the formation of the new KRG.
On behalf of @POTUS, I welcomed PUK leaders @Bafeltalabani and @qubadjt Qubad Talabani to discuss our shared interests in forging a strong and mutually beneficial U.S.-Iraq partnership, including through our enduring friendship with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. I welcomed their vital contributions to ensure Iraq can effectively safeguard its sovereignty and fully realize the potential for its partnership with the United States.
Discussed regional peace, the necessity to work together to ensure the new government of Iraq succeeds, and the stalled government formation in Kurdistan in a meeting between @Bafeltalabani and @AmbBarrack in Baghdad yesterday.
I was pleased to welcome H.E. Alicia Rico Pérez del Pulgar, Ambassador of Spain to Iraq. We agreed that Iraq’s new government should place economic development at the center of its agenda, and that Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government must work in close coordination and cooperation to advance shared prosperity and sustainable growth.
Today, at the Delphi Economic Forum in Slemani, I spoke about navigating uncertainty through stability, reform, and partnership.
Too often, others speak about our region without speaking to those who live in it. That is why it matters that these conversations are taking place here, in Kurdistan.
In a changing world, stability is our greatest strategic asset. We do not seek to be an arena for conflict, but a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and opportunity.
#DelphiForumSlemani
Today, Slemani welcomes distinguished leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world for the Delphi Economic Forum.
At a time of profound global change, dialogue and cooperation matter more than ever.
Proud to host these important conversations in the Kurdistan Region.
#DelphiForumSlemani
I congratulate Mr. Tom Barrack on his appointment as President Trump’s Special Envoy to Iraq. We look forward to working closely with him to address the challenges facing Iraq and the wider region, and to advance our shared goals of security, stability, and prosperity.
Today marks the launch of the Raparin Regional Development Agency, an important step toward a more balanced and inclusive economy.
I thank the UK Government @ukinerbil for its partnership in bringing this project to life. Sustainable economic growth cannot be limited to a few major cities. Every district has its own strengths, opportunities, and potential to attract investment, create jobs, and drive development.
We begin in Raparin, with a vision to replicate this model across the Kurdistan Region and ensure that growth and prosperity reach every community.
In meetings with Mr. Albrecht von Wittke of @GermanyInKRI and Mr. Andrew Bizley of @ukinerbil, we agreed that the continued delay in forming the new KRG cabinet is not in the interest of the Kurdistan Region. We must move beyond the current stalemate and begin a new phase based on responsibility and cooperation.
Strengthening ties between the Kurdistan Region and Italy is important for stability and economic growth.
In my discussions with Mr. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq, we emphasized resolving remaining challenges through dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture and tourism.
From the Cannes Film Festival, we announced the Kurdistan Film Fund — an important step toward building a sustainable film industry in Kurdistan and empowering a new generation of Kurdish storytellers.
Because our stories deserve to be told by us, and shared with the world.
In my meeting with Mr. Lukáš Gjurič, Consul General of the Czech Republic, we discussed strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and the Czech Republic, particularly in the fields of trade and agriculture.
We also exchanged views on supporting the Regional Development Agency in Raparin as a pilot project to strengthen the economy of the Kurdistan Region through rural development and agrotourism.
In my meeting with Maxim Rubin, we emphasized that, despite the current regional instability, the election of the President of Iraq and the appointment of a new Prime Minister represent positive and important steps toward reinforcing Iraq’s political stability.
Productive meeting with Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance of Greece. We agreed to connect our experts to advance e-governance and AI in the Kurdistan Region.
Building on a decade of progress, we aim to integrate biometrics and service portals with AI to deliver faster, more transparent public services.