Washington, DC – On 10 December, 2014, The United States Kurdistan Business Council (USKBC) hosted Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) during his visit to the US to meet with senior Administration officials and key members of Congress.
Deputy Prime Minister Talabani told the Council that he was thrilled to be back in Washington, where he served for over a decade as a KRG representative. He discussed the recent agreement reached between the KRG and the Government of Iraq; the war with the Islamic State and the humanitarian crisis in the Kurdistan region. Council members inquired how they can assist the KRG address the crisis.
Talabani noted the more friendly tone and welcoming atmosphere afforded the KRG delegation by senior Government of Iraq officials in Baghdad. The pragmatic approach taken by both sides allowed for positive negotiations and a deal struck between the two sides.
On the Islamic State threat to Iraq, Talabani stated, “the reality remains that to be able to eliminate it or push their fighters out of big cities such as Mosul, there needs to be greater support from coalition forces.”
Retired general James Jones, the USKBC CEO, also spoke to Council members and shared highlights of his recent visit to the Turkish capital, Ankara. Jones said “there is an overwhelming feeling in Turkey at the government level supporting agreement with both the new cabinet in Baghdad and the KRG.”
About the United States-Kurdistan Business Council
The USKBC is dedicated to facilitating trade and commerce for U.S. companies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and to strengthening ties between the private sector in the U.S. and Kurdistan Region. With one of the most liberal investment laws in the Middle East and significant needs in almost every industry sector, the Kurdistan Region presents untapped business opportunities for U.S. companies. The council also works closely with the Kurdistan Regional Government and private businesses in the Kurdistan Region to ensure that foreign investment reinforces the already enormous economic opportunities there. For more information on business opportunities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, please visit www.USKBC.org.
Deputy Prime Minister Talabani told the Council that he was thrilled to be back in Washington, where he served for over a decade as a KRG representative. He discussed the recent agreement reached between the KRG and the Government of Iraq; the war with the Islamic State and the humanitarian crisis in the Kurdistan region. Council members inquired how they can assist the KRG address the crisis.
Talabani noted the more friendly tone and welcoming atmosphere afforded the KRG delegation by senior Government of Iraq officials in Baghdad. The pragmatic approach taken by both sides allowed for positive negotiations and a deal struck between the two sides.
On the Islamic State threat to Iraq, Talabani stated, “the reality remains that to be able to eliminate it or push their fighters out of big cities such as Mosul, there needs to be greater support from coalition forces.”
Retired general James Jones, the USKBC CEO, also spoke to Council members and shared highlights of his recent visit to the Turkish capital, Ankara. Jones said “there is an overwhelming feeling in Turkey at the government level supporting agreement with both the new cabinet in Baghdad and the KRG.”
About the United States-Kurdistan Business Council
The USKBC is dedicated to facilitating trade and commerce for U.S. companies in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and to strengthening ties between the private sector in the U.S. and Kurdistan Region. With one of the most liberal investment laws in the Middle East and significant needs in almost every industry sector, the Kurdistan Region presents untapped business opportunities for U.S. companies. The council also works closely with the Kurdistan Regional Government and private businesses in the Kurdistan Region to ensure that foreign investment reinforces the already enormous economic opportunities there. For more information on business opportunities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, please visit www.USKBC.org.