ERBIL () - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received Ambassador Steven Fagin, chargé d'affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, on Monday, with talks focusing on bilateral relations, regional security, oil production and coordination between Erbil and Baghdad.
During the meeting, Barzani and Fagin exchanged views on strengthening the friendship, longstanding relations and existing partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
The two sides also discussed the broader situation in Iraq and developments across the region.
A central part of the talks concerned security in the Kurdistan Region. Barzani and Fagin condemned attacks targeting the Region and emphasized the importance of protecting its security and stability.
Economic and energy issues also featured prominently in the meeting.
Both sides agreed on the importance of increasing oil production in the Kurdistan Region and strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq's federal government.
According to the statement, closer cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad would contribute to improving Iraq's financial situation and maximizing public revenues.
The two sides also said such measures could help stimulate trade while ensuring the protection of the Kurdistan Region's constitutional rights and financial entitlements.
The discussions therefore linked increased oil production with broader financial and institutional coordination between the KRG and the federal government.
Barzani and Fagin also addressed the Kurdistan Region's internal political process.
They stressed the importance of reactivating the Kurdistan Parliament and moving forward with the formation of the Region's new cabinet.
The meeting brought together several issues currently central to the Kurdistan Region's political and economic agenda, including security, relations with the United States, coordination with Baghdad, oil production, public revenues and the functioning of the Region's political institutions.
The two sides reiterated the importance of continued partnership and cooperation while emphasizing the need to safeguard the Kurdistan Region's stability and constitutional rights.
