SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday to discuss strengthening economic ties and enhancing cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Region. The meeting focused on expanding trade and investment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on energy development, according to a statement from the State Department.
Secretary Rubio commended Prime Minister Barzani for securing agreements with U.S. companies to boost natural gas production in the Kurdistan Region. He said the deals mark a key step toward helping Iraq achieve greater energy independence.
The two leaders also addressed regional security and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria, reiterating their shared commitment to defending human rights and promoting stability.
Secretary Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s continued support for a strong and resilient Kurdistan Region, calling it “a foundational pillar” of the broader U.S.-Iraq partnership.