پەرلەمانی کوردستان
December 3, 2025
This evening in Erbil, President Nechirvan Barzani participated in the opening ceremony of the new US Consulate General building in the Kurdistan Region, an event also graced by President Masoud Barzani.
During the event, which saw the participation of US Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the Deputy Prime Minister, senior officials from the Kurdistan Region, as well as consuls and representatives from different nations, President Nechirvan Barzani delivered the following speech:
Your Excellency President Barzani,
Distinguished guests,
Good evening.
I extend a warm welcome to everyone present.
I would like to warmly welcome Mr. Michael Rigas, the US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, who has traveled to Erbil for this important ceremony. Welcome to Erbil, and welcome to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
I am truly pleased to be here today for the inauguration of the new US Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region.
The establishment of this diplomatic mission conveys a clear political message about the importance of Erbil and the Kurdistan Region, and it underscores the deep partnership that links Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with the United States.
Our relationship with the United States has been built on trust, shared values, and collaboration for more than thirty years. From the initiatives to establish peace and enforce no-fly zones in the 1990s to the present day, the United States has consistently stood by the people of Kurdistan during their most difficult and critical moments.
In 2003, we were united in the liberation of Iraq. In 2014, when we faced the threat of terrorism, the Peshmerga forces bravely fought alongside Iraqi, US, and international coalition forces. Together, we defeated the myth of ISIS, reclaiming cities and regions that were once under their control. These events are firmly embedded in our history and form a strong foundation for our enduring partnership.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The inauguration of this consular complex in Erbil today underscores the lasting nature of our relationship and the steadfast commitment of the United States to work with us towards peace and stability. It also reflects confidence in the progress achieved in the Kurdistan Region, our partnership with Baghdad, and our ability to build a successful model of coexistence and stability.
We see this moment as the beginning of a new era that will strengthen coordination across multiple sectors: politics and security, economy and investment, culture and education, and relations between nations. Our objective extends beyond government-to-government interactions; we seek to cultivate connections among businesses, communities, and the youth of both our nations.
Our position in the Kurdistan Region is clear: we want Kurdistan to serve as a bridge for communication, not a site of conflict. Our goal is to remain a key contributor to the stability of Iraq and the wider region.
We will continue our cooperation with Baghdad to resolve all issues in accordance with the constitution, managing the country in a political, administrative, and legal manner that promotes stability throughout Iraq.
At the same time, within the framework of a federal Iraq and based on the Iraq-US Strategic Agreement, we reaffirm our commitment to our strategic partnership with the United States, as we believe this alliance is vital for promoting peace, security, and progress.
We greatly appreciate the support extended by the United States to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region through the sacrifices of its soldiers, the efforts of its diplomats, and the contributions of its companies and investors to the region’s development.
On behalf of the Kurdistan Region, we express our sincere gratitude to the people and government of the United States for their steadfast support over the years.
We fully support President Donald Trump’s efforts to promote peace in the region. We also thank him for appointing Mr. Mark Savaya as Special Envoy to Iraq. This represents notable progress. We are hopeful that it will have a beneficial impact on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in every possible way.
We look forward to working together to build a brighter, more stable, and prosperous future for all.
Thank you very much.
