Fairfax, Virginia, USA (us.gov.krd) - On Sunday, November 17, Minister Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations, held a meeting with members of the Kurdish community in the Washington, DC area to brief them on the priorities of the Kurdistan Regional Government, protests in Iraq, the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and the role of the diaspora.

The meeting was hosted by the KRG Representation in the United States and attracted leaders and members of the Kurdish diaspora in Virginia, Maryland and Washington who originate from all parts of Kurdistan.

At the meeting, Minister Dizayee outlined the challenges and opportunities facing the KRG and the improved relationship with Baghdad. He also spoke about the legitimate grievances of Iraqi protesters and the need to meet their demands without allowing the protest movement to be hijacked by other interests. He spoke of the KRG’s concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in northeast Syria and the need for the Kurds in Syria to work on unity and the preservation of the Kurdish population and voice.

The Minister was asked several questions, including questions about the protests in Iran and the KRG’s international relations.

Minister Dizayee and members of the community discussed the importance and contribution of the growing Kurdish diaspora in Europe and North America.

The Minister will begin a series of official meetings from Monday.