Kurdistan Region President, U.S. Officials Highlight Strategic Partnership as New U.S. Consulate Opens in Erbil

Peregraf - The Kurdistan Region on Wednesday marked a significant diplomatic milestone with the official opening of the new U.S. Consulate General building in Erbil—now the largest American diplomatic mission in Iraq outside Baghdad and one of the largest U.S. consulates in the world.

The inauguration coincided with the visit of Michael Rigas, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, who was received by President Nechirvan Barzani at the Presidential Palace. The visit underscored Washington’s commitment to long-term engagement with both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Barzani: Opening Shows Long-Term U.S. Commitment

In the meeting, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani welcomed Rigas and thanked the United States for its continued support. He described the opening of the massive new consulate compound as “a strong sign of the United States’ commitment to the continuity of its strategic relationship with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

Barzani emphasized U.S. contributions across security, economic, and institutional sectors, noting that American partnership “remains essential to stability and development.”

The two sides discussed the overall situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, focusing particularly on ongoing attacks targeting Kurdish economic infrastructure. They condemned the latest attack on the Khor Mor gas field, calling for accountability and insisting that “weapons must remain exclusively in the hands of the state.”

Other topics included the Iraqi parliamentary election results, counter-ISIS efforts, regional tensions, and areas of mutual cooperation. The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq and several other officials were present.

Qubad Talabani: A Historic Step in U.S.–Kurdistan Relations

Senior Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, who also met with Rigas, issued a statement describing the opening of the new consulate as “a major event and a sign of the importance and strength of the relationship between the United States and Kurdistan now and in the future.”

Talabani highlighted several key points from his discussions with the U.S. official:

• Open Door Policy: “The door of the Region and all its provinces is open to a strong and solid relationship with the United States in all fields—especially security, economic, commercial, and cultural.”

• Security Concerns: He stressed that the repeated attacks on the Kurdistan Region’s economic and energy infrastructure showed the need for continuous and increased coordination between the KRG and the U.S.

• Government Formation: Talabani stated the PUK is ready to form a new cabinet of KRG based on genuine balance and partnership that serves citizens across all areas of the Kurdistan Region without discrimination.

• Peshmerga Reform: He thanked the United States for its assistance in Peshmerga reforms, emphasizing the goal of building a professional, national, depoliticized force.

A New Diplomatic Landmark in Erbil

The newly opened consulate—spanning tens of thousands of square meters—is designed to strengthen diplomatic, economic, cultural, and security engagement. Its scale and security features underline Washington’s long-term investment in the Kurdistan Region.

The U.S. Consulate in Erbil has played a central role in humanitarian assistance, economic development projects, counter-ISIS coordination, and institutional reform efforts across the Kurdistan Region. The new facility is expected to significantly expand these missions.