PUK President Highlights Stability, Unity, & Solutions with U.S. Delegation

PUK President's media office

PUK President welcomes U.S. Delegation at Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), hosted Victoria Taylor, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iran and Iraq in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. State Department, along with her accompanying delegation, at Dabashan in Sulaymaniyah Province.

During the meeting, attended by Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, Head of the PUK's Relations Bureau, both sides discussed the situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, emphasising the importance of maintaining stability in the surrounding region.

President Bafel Jalal Talabani outlined the PUK's policies and efforts to address challenges and resolve issues, stating: "We are committed to preserving and protecting the rights and livelihoods of our citizens. In this regard, we continue our efforts to establish a service-oriented and just government, based on equality and true partnership. We also aim to collaborate responsibly, setting aside differences, to serve our people and move our region toward further reconstruction and stability."

Regarding the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, including issues of salaries and the allocation of financial entitlements to the Kurdistan Region, President Bafel said: "We call for adherence to the decisions of the Federal Supreme Court, and we seek a permanent and comprehensive solution to this problem. It is unacceptable to tie citizens' lives to ongoing conflicts, and we have conveyed this message to all parties." 

The situation in Syria and Western Kurdistan was also discussed, with President Bafel stating: "Our efforts have been focused on safeguarding the rights of all nationalities and communities in Syria. We have emphasised the importance of understanding and dialogue, particularly with the Kurds, who have made significant sacrifices to protect peace and stability." He added: "The unity of the Kurdish ranks in Syria is a crucial part of our efforts, and we aimed to have everyone follow a unified strategy, which has proven successful, and its results will be evident in the future."

The issue of energy was another key topic of discussion, with President Bafel explaining the PUK's position: "The policy followed in the past regarding energy was not successful, so we aim to manage this sector with a new strategy in the future, turning it into a driving force for development and construction in our country. In this context, we hope to reach a joint agreement with Baghdad, so we can serve our people together."



PUKMEDIA