ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The outgoing United States Consul General to Erbil Robert Palladino on Tuesday bid his farewell to the people of the Kurdistan Region as his mandate in the Kurdish capital comes to an end, stressing that he will remain an advocate for the Region in Washington.
“The democratic journey is long and difficult, but the #United_States will be there beside you. Please know that I will be your advocate in #Washington and, if called again, stand ready to continue advancing our special relationship,” read a statement from Palladino on Tuesday.
Palladino’s diplomatic assignment in Erbil began in July 2021.
The former envoy announced that a new Consul General to Erbil will be announced in early August, reiterating his country’s continued support to the Region by stating that Erbil and Washington “are, and will continue to be, better together.”
Palladino assumed charges of the US consulate in Erbil in July of last year succeeding Rob Waller.
Washington has had a strong relationship with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Millions of dollars of US aid have been provided to the Kurdish Peshmerga, which is a key ally in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
The US initially opened a diplomatic office in Erbil in February 2007, which was later upgraded to a consulate general in 2011. A new consulate building, which is set to be the US’ biggest consulate, is under construction in the Kurdish capital.
