Washington, DC, USA (us.gov.krd) – Representative Bayan Sami Abul Rahman and Robert Palladino, the incoming U.S. Consul General in Erbil, had a warm and productive meeting on Wednesday, June 23.

The two discussed a diverse set of topics, including the U.S.-Kurdistan relationship, security challenges facing Kurdistan, economic affairs, humanitarian assistance, and the potential for enhancing cultural ties. Both sides noted the spirit of friendship among Americans and Kurdistanis.

Mr. Palladino will succeed Rob Waller, the current Consul General who has been in Kurdistan for one year and had previously been the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq at the State Department.

Mr. Palladino is a career foreign service officer and has had various posts in the National Security Council and State Department, including chief-of-staff to the Deputy Secretary of State, deputy spokesman for the State Department, and as director of press acting National Security Council spokesperson 2017-2018.