PUK VP: PUK Supports the Peace Process in Türkiye

PUK VP's Media

PUK VP Rafaat Abdullah and U.S. Consul General Steven Bitner.

Rafaat Abdullah, Vice President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), met with Steven Bitner, the United States Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, at the PUK Political Bureau headquarters in Sulaymaniyah on Saturday, 17 May 2025.

According to a statement from the PUK Vice President’s Media Office, the meeting focused on the current political landscape in Iraq and the broader region. Vice President Abdullah underscored the value the PUK and the Kurdistan Region place on their cooperation and longstanding friendship with the United States. He affirmed the desire to further strengthen ties—particularly in supporting and developing the capabilities of the Peshmerga forces, enhancing security coordination, and intensifying efforts in the fight against terrorism.

The statement noted that Consul General Bitner reiterated the United States’ commitment to deepening its relationship with the Kurdistan Region and expressed continued support across a range of sectors.

Vice President Abdullah also outlined the PUK’s approach to regional affairs, stressing the party’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

“The PUK remains a pillar of security and stability in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. We are committed to keeping the region insulated from surrounding tensions and challenges,” he stated.

On the topic of the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, both parties agreed on the need for a swift resolution. VP Abdullah discussed the ongoing negotiations and procedural steps involved in forming the new government.

“As the PUK, our objective is to establish a responsible, service-oriented government that serves all regions equally and functions as a true government of the people,” he emphasised.

The meeting also addressed the issue of the peace process between Türkiye and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). VP Abdullah described the pursuit of a peaceful resolution as an urgent necessity in the current climate.

“The PUK supports the peace process in Türkiye and the cessation of violence. We are prepared to assist in achieving this goal,” he said.



PUKMEDIA