ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday held a series of meetings with United States senators and congressmen during his official visit to Washington DC, stressing the need to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Barzani arrived in Washington on Saturday for an official visit. Strengthening bilateral ties with the new US administration, energy cooperation, and future investment are among the top priorities of Prime Minister Barzani’s agenda.

The Kurdish premier kicked off his Tuesday meetings with a sit-down with South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson. The two discussed “the importance of further strengthening and expanding ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States,” according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.

“Congressman Wilson welcomed the investments in Kurdistan’s energy sector and noted that such partnerships benefit all of Iraq,” read the statement.

Barzani on Monday oversaw the signing of two major agreements in the energy sector with HKN Energy and WesternZagros with a combined worth of “tens of billions of US dollars,” according to a statement by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), adding that “they are expected to contribute directly to economic growth and stability in the Region.”

In a post on X, Wilson said it was an “honor” to meet with the Kurdish premier, adding that he was “furious” with the Iraqi government’s objection to the recently-signed deals, and opposition of “US investments to develop Iraqi gas which is essential to stop Iranian imports.”

Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani and US Congressman Joe Wilson on Tuesday discussed "the importance of further strengthening and expanding ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States" - Statement

"Congressman Wilson welcomed the investments in Kurdistan’s energy… pic.twitter.com/VsKbW1Et83

— The New Region (@thenewregion) May 20, 2025

Iraq’s oil ministry earlier on Tuesday announced its “rejection” of the KRG natural resources ministry’s multi-billion-dollar contract with HKN Energy and WesternZagros to develop Sulaimani oil and gas fields, saying the procedures violate a 2022 Iraqi federal court ruling prohibiting Iraqi regions and provinces from regulating trade policy with other countries.

“US investments in Kurdistan will always be supported by the US,” wrote Wilson, who has repeatedly called on the US government to take stricter measures against the government in Baghdad considering its strong relations with Iran.

The KRG’s natural resources ministry responded to Baghdad’s comments, stating that the agreements are constitutionally valid and have been previously approved by Iraqi courts.

Dori F Abouzeid, co-founder and current President of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Kurdistan Region, said the deals are “a signal of a very strong commitment” and a continuation of Erbil and Washington’s long-standing relations.

“These agreements translate into a sustained confidence across the business community, and it also shows the strength of the Kurdistan Region and how forward looking the government [is],” Abouzeid told The New Region on Tuesday.

Abouzeid described Prime Minister Barzani’s visit to the US as “vital”, adding that it will contribute to deepening the relationship between Erbil and Washington.

“Security translates to American companies to come and invest in the Kurdistan Region, and that is important for everyone… Security is number one, and I think the government have done a fantastic job at ensuring that security and stability are there.”

“We believe a healthy investment climate in the oil and gas will be built on great agreements… An agreement this large will certainly make others more interested in investing in the Kurdistan Region,” he added.

Barzani also met with Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart discussing the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the importance of boosting Washington-Erbil ties.

The congressman “reiterated his support for the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces,” according to a statement from the premier’s office.

Continuing his high-level meetings in Washington DC, Kurdistan Region PM Masrour Barzani met with Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/Bdh82mZBqW

— The New Region (@thenewregion) May 20, 2025

Continuing his high-level sit-downs, the Kurdish premier met with Abraham Hamadeh, the first Kurdish-American congressman. The congressman expressed his pleasure with Barzani’s visit and the recent signing of the energy agreements.

Senators Angus King and James Lankford were next on the Kurdish premier’s agenda. The lawmakers “praised the heroic role of the Peshmerga forces against ISIS and the important position of the Kurdistan Region in the fight against terrorism.”

The senators also highlighted the importance of the recently-signed energy deals, saying they will lead to “developing the economy of not just the Kurdistan Region, but the whole of Iraq.”

Barzani also met with Congressman Adam Smith, representative for Washington's 9th congressional district. Both sides stressed the importance of “further strengthening bilateral relations in all fields,” and “pointed out the importance and necessity of forming the tenth cabinet of the KRG as soon as possible.” Recent developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region were also highlighted.

Congressman Brian Mast, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also received the Kurdish premier on Tuesday.

“Congressman Mast expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism. He also reiterated his full support for the Kurdistan Region as an important US ally in the region,” read a statement from the prime minister’s office.

Recent developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region were highlighted during PM Masrour Barzani's meeting with Congressman Adam Smith in Washington DC, in addition to the stressing the need to strengthen Erbil-Washington bilateral ties pic.twitter.com/eGsQ1qFw4n

— The New Region (@thenewregion) May 20, 2025

The Kurdistan Region shares strong ties with the US. Washington has for years provided military aid and training to the Region’s Peshmerga forces. Prime Minister Barzani also shares a strong relationship with the current US cabinet in general.