ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – United States Defense Secretary Ash Carter left a note for Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani after concluding his meeting with the president on Friday in Erbil.
The unannounced meeting between the officials included closed-door discussion about the war against Islamic State, the role and current state of the Peshmerga forces, as well as a strategy to defeat the terrorist group.
“To President Barzani and Colleagues,” reads Carter’s handwritten letter, “With great admiration for the skill and courage of the Peshmerga, the wisdom of the KRG, and the friendship with the U.S. We look forward to continuing our partnership.”
The day before the surprise meeting, Carter made an unannounced appearance in Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Haider al-Adabi and Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi.
The most recent meeting was underscored by each officials’ appreciation for the friendship shared between the two countries, according to a report published on the Kurdistan Region Presidency website.
“Secretary Carter stated that the United States will continue to support the Peshmerga forces as they continue their efforts against the Islamic State terrorists, to which President Barzani reiterated the Kurdistan Region's appreciation for that support,” the report says.
It goes on to say, “Secretary Carter also stated that the war against the Islamic State is indeed being fought by the Iraqi forces, the Peshmerga forces and the international coalition “on behalf of civilization.”
Minister of Peshmerga Mustafa Sayed Qadir and other military commanders also attended the meeting with the US delegation.
Carter is scheduled to meet with an American special team for training Peshmerga before reportedly heading to Turkey for more key regional talks.
This is Carter’s first visit to the Kurdistan region as the top US defense official.
