US Ambassador: We Look Forward to Seeing Swift Formation of an Inclusive Government

Kurdistan 10:51 PM - 2024-11-04

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina L. Romanowski.

On Monday, November 4, 2024, Alina Romanowski, United States (US) Ambassador to Iraq, announced at the US Consulate General's celebration of the 248th anniversary of American Independence Day that the US looks forward to seeing a swift formation of an inclusive government in the Kurdistan Region.

The US Consulate General in Erbil held a celebration to commemorate the 248th anniversary of American Independence Day. PUKMEDIA was present at the event, where Atta Karim, Editor-in-Chief of PUKMEDIA, congratulated the US Ambassador and Consul general on the occasion and wished further success in their future works.

US Ambassador Romanowski delivered a speech at the event, stating: "The decade long partnership between the people of the United states and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region has been a force for stability and security in Iraq and our partnership is strong because it is rooted in shared values." 

"Last month's parliamentary elections here are an example of those democratic values in practice. We are pleased to witness the people of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region participate in such a large number in the democratic process. We look forward to seeing a swift formation of an inclusive government," she added.

She further stated: "United States remains committed to working together with the IKR and with Iraq for mutual benefit and to insure a future in which all Iraqis can realise their full potential. That is what our 360 degree relationship is all about."

On the outstanding challenges between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, she said: "We will continue to work with our Kurdish partners to enhance transparency and accountability and support engagement with the government of Iraq to resolve the longstanding fiscal challenges."

Regarding the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Romanowski pointed out that the US maintains a robust partnership with the peshmerga forces.

"We are committed to unifying the peshmerga forces under the ministry of peshmerga affairs and building a professional capable and impolitical force to insure the enduring defeat of ISIS and contribute to regional stability," she said.

As for economic ties between the US and the Kurdistan Region, the US Ambassador said: "Our economic ties have fostered development, created jobs and brought our countries together in prosperity. Many US companies and franchises have established businesses in Iraqi Kurdistan Region with lots of big US names and an active American Chamber of Kurdistan with nearly 30 members and that is impressive."

Regarding energy investment, Romanowski said: "Three US oil companies have invested billions here and stand ready to support the Region's aspirations of energy. We encourage us investment in the Region and foster business partnerships by connecting small and medium sized firms in the IKR to US companies through trade shows and delegations. A fair and competitive business environment will sustain foreign investment and enable innovation."

Moreover, Romanowski highlighted education partnership, stating: "Through education partnerships, we are investing in Iraq's work force of the future. We are excited to work with our Kurdish friends to send students to the united states. these opportunities will not only prepare them for their future careers but will also increase the people to people connections between the united states, Iraqi and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

"We anticipate sending over 400 Iraqi students to US on our exchange programmes," she said.

US CG delivers a speech in Kurdish 

US Consul General Steven Bitner delivered a speech in the Kurdish language at the event, where he also pointed to the elections in the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces.

"Following the sixth term of parliamentary elections, it is time to form a government for this Region to undertake significant measures to build its institutions," stated the US Consul General in Erbil.

He stated that the development of a government, democratic institutions, and the judiciary will ensure freedom.

He additionally asserted: "The United States has been supporting the formation of democratic institutions in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for many years. We eagerly anticipate the establishment of the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government."

Adding: "The United States maintains a robust partnership with the Peshmerga forces. We are committed to unifying the Peshmerga forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and building a capable professional force to ensure the permanent defeat of ISIS and contribute to regional stability." 



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