The New US Deputy Consul General Steven Gillen visits the KDP’s Foreign Relations Office in Pirman

The New US Deputy Consul General Steven Gillen heading a delegation from the US Consulate General in Erbil, accompanied by Steven Feinberg, Division Chief of Iraq, Iran and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the State Department visited the KDP’s Foreign Relations Office. During the meeting the Head of the Office congratulated Deputy Consul Gillen on his new appointment and wished him a successful and enjoyable stay in Erbil. He thanked the United States for the ongoing support to Kurdistan Region and their decisive role in supporting the Peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS. He also conveyed to the delegation the appreciation and genuine gratitude of the people of Kurdistan to the American people and their anticipation that the current partnership to combat terrorism, extremism and enhancing stability and security in the wider Region would continue in the future. Mr Siwaily updated the delegation on the most recent developments in Kurdistan Region and the issue of the referendum was discussed in great length. He viewed the international reaction, in particular the reaction from the Arab countries as generally being positive.

The Deputy Consul General on his part reaffirmed his country’s commitment to support Kurdistan Region and expressed reservations on the timing of the referendum. Both sides stressed on the importance of dialogue and peaceful negotiations with Baghdad during the whole process.