Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday met with US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, Geoffrey R. Pyatt, with discussions revolving around developing the energy sector of the Region.

Both parties focused on enhancing and developing the energy sector in Kurdistan and Iraq, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), adding that the discussion included leveraging clean and renewable energy sources and initiatives aimed at improving the electricity sector in both regions.

Barzani and Pyatt underscored the significance of resuming oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, especially given the substantial losses incurred by Iraq's treasury due to their suspension, amounting to billions of dollars.

Following the meeting, Barzani and Pyatt conducted a field tour at the Mass Global power station in Pirdawd area and the Khormala power station in the Erbil province.

In a press release, they emphasized the importance of advancing the energy sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region by promoting the use of clean energy, protecting the environment, and reducing air pollution.

Barzani expressed appreciation for the US interest in developing the energy sector in both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, acknowledging their support for progress in these areas.

Pyatt reiterated his country's strong and evolving support for Kurdistan Region within the framework of the federal Iraqi state. He commended the Region's energy industry development, noting its alignment with international standards.

He drew comparisons between Kurdistan Region’s energy landscape and some oil-producing areas in the United States, stating that the scene in the Region reminded him of what exists in the state of Oklahoma, albeit on a smaller scale.

Earlier in the day, the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR), released a statement expressing the readiness of its member companies to resume oil exports through the Kurdistan Region.

Myles B. Caggins III, spokesperson for APIKUR, emphasized “the importance of immediate, cooperative action by all stakeholders to restore exports through the Iraq-Turkey Ceyhan pipeline,” the statement read.

The #US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources visits to #Baghdad and #Erbil “underscore the importance of immediate and cooperative action by all stakeholders to restore exports through the #Iraq-Türkiye pipeline," APIKUR spox Myles B. Caggins III said in statement on… pic.twitter.com/pNCry2gJfn

— The New Region (@thenewregion) May 16, 2024

Barzani and Pyatt’s meeting comes after a meeting yesterday between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Pyatt to discuss cooperation in the energy sector and the Iraqi government's commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency through various initiatives, including the utilization of domestic natural resources and the implementation of memorandums of understanding signed during his recent visit to the United States.