President Barzani, top US diplomat discuss KRG cabinet formation

ERBIL Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday received Daniel Rubinstein, Charge d’Affaires at the US embassy in Baghdad, to discuss bilateral relations and ongoing talks over the formation of a new cabinet in the Region.

“The meeting addressed a wide range of topics, including the United States' relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the dynamics between Erbil and Baghdad. The two sides examined the current situation in the Kurdistan Region, the outcomes of the parliamentary elections, and ongoing efforts to establish a new cabinet,” read a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency.

Kurdistan Region’s long-overdue parliamentary elections were held in October but the political parties have yet to reach a concrete agreement to form the next Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet.

The ruling parties have intensified efforts to reach a deal, with their officials stating that the recent meetings were positive.

Ongoing efforts to reform Peshmerga forces and the latest developments in Syria were also discussed in the meeting.

Rubinstein “emphasized the United States' dedication to ongoing aid and support for both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” added the statement.

President Barzani expressed appreciation for the support Kurdistan has been receiving from the US, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

Peshmerga has been a key partner of the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) in the last decade. The forces have received financial and military aid from Washington.