On December 3, in a special ceremony attended by President Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas, the new compound of the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil was officially inaugurated.
During the ceremony, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Secretary Rigas each delivered remarks.
In his speech, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said that the opening of the new compound is a clear testament to the old, strong bond between the United States and the people of Kurdistan and Iraq.
The Prime Minister recalled that the United States has consistently supported the Kurdistani people in difficult times. He noted that after the 1991 Uprising, the United States helped establish the safe haven and no-fly zone, and that when ISIS attacked several Iraqi provinces and posed a serious threat to the Kurdistan Region, it was again the United States-led coalition that stood with the Kurdistan Region to confront and defeat terrorism. He added that the United States also played a decisive role in toppling the most brutal dictatorial regime in Iraq.
Prime Minister Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region is deeply grateful for all the support it has received from the United States, is proud of its alliance with America and will continue to work with it in the next phases.
He reaffirmed that the KRG firmly believes in and supports President Donald Trump’s policy of achieving peace through strength, and advancing commerce instead of conflict. He underlined that the Kurdistan Region will continue to work with the United States and the federal government of Iraq to build a country that respects the Constitution and protects the rights of all ethnic and religious components in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the Kurdistan Region has become a safe haven for all those who seek to live in peace, and that the rights of all those who come to the Region are protected.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Barzani noted that whenever the Kurdistan Region has needed support, the United States has been at its side, and that the Kurdistan Region now also supports others in need. He stressed that together, partners and friends can build a better Kurdistan Region, a stronger Iraq and a more prosperous future for all.
The opening of the new U.S. Consulate General compound in Erbil is a clear testament to the strong partnership between the United States and the people of the Kurdistan Region.
We support President Trump’s policy of peace through strength and commerce, not conflict. pic.twitter.com/793NryAfKK
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) December 3, 2025
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.
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