Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) – Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani held a phone call with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.

They discussed the latest security developments in the disputed territories and the political situation in the Kurdistan Region.
Prime Minister Barzani stressed the importance of U.S. support to the Region’s security, stability and the return of more than one million displaced Iraqis.

He gave a brief overview about the formation of the next cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government as well as relations between the Region and Baghdad towards solving outstanding issues in accordance with the Constitution. He expressed appreciation and gratitude for U.S. support in the fight against terrorism.

Vice President Pence  commended the role of the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism, and praised the people and Kurdistan Regional Government for protecting, accommodating, and providing assistance to such a large number of IDPs and refugees. He also commended Prime Minister Barzani for protecting religious communities who suffered from ISIS. He also extended condolences to the families of those martyred in the fight against terrorism.

Vice President Pence also stressed the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq with the support of the United States in confronting terrorism that continues to threaten the security and stability of the country.