ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The United States is actively pursuing a significant expansion of its commercial and economic relationship with the Kurdistan Region, aiming to transform a partnership historically centered on security into one deeply rooted in trade and investment, a senior US diplomat announced on Monday.

The announcement was made by US Consul General Wendy Green during a joint commercial and economic conference in Erbil attended by American business leaders, Kurdish investors, and government officials.

“One of my dreams was to see you partner with the Kurds in trade,” Green told the assembled audience, expressing strong enthusiasm for closer cooperation.

Green emphasized that while the past US relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was predominantly focused on security cooperation, Washington’s current strategy is to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced engagement in commerce, energy, education, and health.

She revealed that in her discussions with KRG leaders, academics, and business figures, a common question consistently arose: “What’s next?” Her answer, she stated, was always the same: “Trade.”

This strategic shift, according to Green, reflects a broader US policy direction. She noted that former President Donald Trump had also emphasized prioritizing trade opportunities, signaling a sustained cross-administration focus.

Highlighting the durability of the Washington-Erbil partnership, Green underscored that the relationship, which has endured for decades, now requires a stronger economic foundation to ensure its long-term prosperity.

She affirmed concrete goals for this new chapter, including attracting more American companies to the region, diversifying investments, and building mutual prosperity for both the people of Kurdistan and the United States.

While acknowledging that challenges to investment remain, the Consul General expressed optimism that forums like Monday’s conference would help identify and eliminate those obstacles.

“We want to move forward by eliminating challenges, and this is in the interest of both the Kurdistan Region and America,” Green said.