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Kurdistan
US Consul General Robert Palladino meets with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Erbil on July 11, 2021. Photo: Barzani's office
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The new US Consul General to Erbil, Robert Palladino, met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday, as well as meeting Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani.
They discussed the region’s relations with the Iraqi federal government and the strategic dialogues held between Iraq and America, and the importance of Kurdistan Region’s participation in the talks, according to a statement from the PM’s office.
“America will continue to support the Kurdistan Region, especially the Peshmerga forces,” Palladino told the PM.
The consul general also met with KDP leader Masoud Barzani, discussing the upcoming Iraqi elections and the challenges facing Iraq, according to a statement from Barzani’s office.
In the meeting, Palladino reaffirmed the US interest in a “strong and united Kurdistan region” and that it has always “respected the will and resistance of Kurdistan’s nation."
He also expressed the country’s concern regarding the political and safety challenges Iraq is facing.
Palladino is the new US Consul General to Erbil, and was previously the Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.
Both meetings were attended by former US Consul General Rob Waller.
“My time here has been the highlight of my career as a diplomat, and I will never forget the warm hospitality of my Kurdish hosts. Although diplomats are often called upon to rub shoulders with the rich and powerful, I have never felt more honored than when breaking bread with ordinary Kurds,” Waller said upon finishing his service in Erbil.
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