ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the Kurdish premier continues his high-profile meetings in Washington DC.

The Kurdish premier arrived at the Department of State headquarters at around 12:30 PM (PST) and held a meeting with Rubio which lasted for over an hour.

Following their meeting, Barzani and Rubio shook hands and posed for a picture in front of reporters and photojournalists at the building.

In a post on X, Barzani thanked Rubio for his "warm hospitality" and "longstanding support and partnership for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq."

"I look forward to continuing our dialogue," he added.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as the Kurdish premier continues his high-profile meetings in Washington DChttps://t.co/I31SA1TDkF

— The New Region (@thenewregion) May 23, 2025

Since arriving in Washington on Saturday, Barzani has met with numerous high-profile US officials, including Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and dozens of congressmen and senators.

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 Kurdistan Region has entered a new stage,” said KRG spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani on Friday, lauding Barzani's visit to Washington DC.

“Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is leading this new stage in going beyond political and military relations with the United States. In this new stage, investment, economy, and energy are on the table,” Hawramani added.

The prime minister on Monday oversaw the signing of two agreements, one with HKN Energy and ONEX Group, and another with WesternZagros. The deals have a combined value of around $110 billion, and aim to boost the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector.

US officials have collectively stressed that the recent deals benefit the whole of Iraq, not just the Kurdistan Region, during Prime Minister Barzani’s meetings in Washington.

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, evident by his strong reception by US officials during his ongoing visit.

During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Rubio described Kurdish autonomy, including economic freedom, as the “linchpin” of Washington’s approach toward Iraq, in reference to the deals the prime minister signed in Washington. Barzani expressed appreciation for Rubio’s comments in a panel discussion on Thursday.