Qubad Talabani, U.S. Diplomat Stress Need to Protect Kurdistan Region from Regional Tensions

Qubad Talabani's Media Office

The meeting of Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, and Steven Fagin, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, received Steven Fagin, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, in Erbil on Monday, where they discussed the political situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, as well as several issues of mutual interest.

At the beginning of the meeting, held on Monday, 14 September 2026, Talabani expressed pleasure that Fagin’s has returned to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and wished him success in his new assignment.

The two sides discussed the political situation in the Kurdistan Region and stressed the importance of swiftly resolving the disputes and forming the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet.

They also emphasised the need for all political parties to work together to protect the Kurdistan Region from potential threats and risks arising from escalating regional tensions.

On oil and gas, Talabani stressed the importance of resolving outstanding differences between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government in Baghdad. He said the Kurdistan Region’s priority is to meet domestic energy needs before proceeding with exports.

The meeting also covered the situation in Iraq, with both sides stressing the importance of supporting the federal government and the Prime Minister’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law and keep Iraq away from regional conflicts and tensions.

They further emphasised the importance of strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad and resolve outstanding issues in accordance with the Constitution, as well as greater coordination and cooperation between the two governments to help improve public services and advance economic development in Iraq.



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