Trump highlights cooperation over shared interests in letter to Barzani
“Donald Trump has stressed that we can jointly overcome obstacles, protect our shared interests, and secure peace, stability, and development, despite the many challenges lying ahead,” reads a statement from the Kurdish presidency on the communication received from the American leader.
Trump’s letter was a response to one sent by Barzani expressing congratulations on Trump’s electoral win.
Speaking in January, Barzani said he was hopeful of a good relationship with the Trump administration, noting that “many of those who are supposed to take high positions are acquainted and friends with me personally and Kurdistan.”
Barzani and US Vice President Mike Pence met in Munich in February and had a “serious” discussion about Kurdish independence, a senior advisor to the Kurdish president, Hemin Hawrami, said at the time.
During his presidential campaign, Trump described himself as a “big fan of the Kurds.” He, however, stirred controversy when he said that, while former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein may have been a “bad guy,” at least he “killed terrorists.” He also lamented the fact that people “went crazy” when Hussein threw around “a little gas.”
This statement angered Kurds, thousands of whom were killed by poisoned gas used against them during the Anfal campaign.
Kurds consider the US a key ally. Last summer, the US and the Kurdistan Region signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on military coordination that sees the US provide military and financial support to the Peshmerga forces, including paying $415 million towards Peshmerga salaries.
rudaw
