The two sides traded views on ties between Erbil and Baghdad as well as the formation of the next Iraqi government, with the US official calling for continued talks between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad.
The US deputy secretary of state arrived in Iraq on Sunday to meet with newly elected President Barham Salih, Prime Minister-Designate Adil Abdul Mahdi and Parliament Speaker Mohammed Halbusi, NRT reported.
Sullivan encouraged Mahdi to “continue with government formation quickly and in a manner that is responsive to the needs of all Iraqis,” spokesperson of State Department Heather Nauert said in a statement.
He also reaffirmed US commitment to strengthen ties with the Iraqis through trade relationship, cultural exchange, and government-to-government relations, the statement read.
Upon his arrival to the Kurdistan Region, Sullivan leading a US delegation visited Kurdish Prime Minister Barzani. Sullivan reiterated US support for the Kurdistan Region, according to a statement by the KRG.
The US deputy secretary of state also called for continued talks between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve the issues between them and to assist each other in security and economy, the KRG’s statement added.
KRG Premier, for his part, acknowledged the US support for the Kurdistan Region.
Reporter's code: 50101