President Nechirvan Barzani received on Thursday in Erbil the incoming Ambassador of the United States to Iraq, Ms. Alina Romanowski.

At the meeting, the President congratulated Ms. Romanowski on assuming the office and wished her success. The President gave an overview of the latest developments in Iraq, the status of the political process in the country and ways to overcome the current challenges.

Discussions also focused on the US relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as both sides reaffirmed their mutual willingness to promote bilateral ties, and to expand areas of joint cooperation, especially in the field of investments and US capital in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Both sides agreed that Iraqi forces and parties need to work together and help find a solution to the political gridlock, and to confront the challenges to ensure security and political stability in the country.

Discussions also covered global climate change and its implications for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and ways to confront it. The developments in the Kurdistan Region, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the danger of terrorism and confronting ISIS, the situation in the wider region and other issues of common interest were highlighted during the meeting which was also attended by the U.S. Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Robert Palladino.