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State Department Praises $110 Billion Kurdish Energy Deals, Urges Baghdad-Erbil Cooperation
Summary
The spokesperson welcomed large energy deals signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government and U.S. companies, said they could help Iraq become more energy independent, and urged Baghdad and Erbil to cooperate despite Baghdad's declaration the contracts were void.
The State Department welcomed energy agreements signed between the Kurdistan Regional Government and U.S. companies worth roughly $110 billion and encouraged Baghdad and Erbil to cooperate to bring gas production online.
A reporter said Kurdish Prime Minister Masoud Barzani had signed two energy deals valued at $110,000,000,000 and that the Iraqi government had rejected them. The spokesperson said the U.S. supports Kurdistan autonomy within a sovereign Iraq and that the deals could help Iraq harness domestic gas resources and become more energy independent. “We support these deals, and we have encouraged Baghdad and Erbil to work together, to get gas production to commence as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson acknowledged Baghdad had declared the contracts null and void and described that outcome as a potential source of tension, urging both sides to respect an economic lifeline necessary for prosperity. No U.S. government financial commitment or specific policy measures tied to the deals were announced at the briefing.
Secretary Rubio was quoted in the briefing as scheduled to meet with KRG Prime Minister Barzani to discuss expanding trade and investment.
