New KRG Representative begins her mission in the United States
Minister Falah Mustafa, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, congratulated Ms. Abdul Rahman on her new post and met the staff of the Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in Washington DC.
Minister Mustafa reiterated the significance of Kurdistan Region's relations with the United States. He said, “This Representation in Washington is a critical post. We will continue to foster our long-term, strategic partnership with the United States.”
He highlighted the role of Qubad Talabani, who was KRG representative to the United States before taking the post of KRG Deputy Prime Minister.
Ms. Abdul Rahman said, “It is an honour to be appointed to this post. The job is made easier by knowing there is a good team already in place. I look forward to working together to bring the people of Kurdistan and America closer to each other.”
Minister Mustafa and Ms. Abdul Rahman also met Lukman Faily, Iraq's Ambassador to Washington.
Ambassador Faily expressed his willingness to work and cooperate with the KRG Representative. They discussed current Iraqi issues and relations with the United States.
The United States has provided military and humanitarian assistance to Iraq and Kurdistan, following attacks by the Islamic State terrorist organisation, known as ISIS, last summer. The Peshmerga forces, backed by US-led coalition air strikes, have retaken much of the territories seized by the terrorist organisation last August. A large number of civilians, among them Christian and Yezidi Kurdish minorities, fled ISIS violent repression and took refuge in Kurdistan Region.
Minister Mustafa and Ms. Abdul Rahman will meet US officials, members of Congress and the media this week.
Ms. Abdul Rahman is transitioning from her post as the KRG Representative to the United Kingdom, where she founded the office and served 10 years. Prior to her service in the KRG, she spent 17 years in journalism, including as a reporter for the Financial Times.
