Carter Meets With President of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2015 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter met today in the regional capital of Erbil with President Masoud Barzani of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

Carter is on a weeklong trip through the Middle East region.

Reaffirms U.S. Commitment

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Cook said Carter reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the lasting defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

He recognized the sacrifices made by Kurdish peshmerga fighters, the press secretary added, and commended Barzani on the battlefield successes they've achieved on the ground in coordination with U.S. and coalition air power.

“The secretary also noted that the United States would continue working by, with, and through the government of Iraq to support Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIL,” Cook said.