Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received the US Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, Brett McGurk, and his accompanying delegation, including the US Ambassador to Iraq and the US Consul General in Erbil.

The delegation commended the Kurdistan Regional Government and the achievements of the Peshmerga in countering the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS, and for coordination between the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces in the military operation to liberate Mosul. Mr. McGurk praised the people and the Government of the Kurdistan Region in accomodating and assisting a large number of displaced people. He emphasized his country will continue its military and humanitarian support to the Kurdistan Region.

Regarding the political situation in the Kurdistan Region, the visiting delegation expressed support for any step that would lead to stability, and the continuation of dialogue between the political parties.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed appreciation for the support of the US in assisting to resolve the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad. He also expressed the desire to further relations between Erbil and Washington.

Prime Minister Barzani said that the Kurdistan Region has sheltered a large number of IDPs fleeing terrorism, and that about 35,000 casualties from the military operation to liberate Mosul have been treated in the Kurdistan Region. However, he said, support from Baghdad has been markedly inadequate.

On the internal political situation, Prime Minister Barzani stressed that serious talks are underway among the Kurdistan Region's political parties to resolve internal issues.